IMMUNE DEFICIENCY AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

The following is an extract of an article written by a colleague  of mine, Dr. Wei Liu.

Nothing is more important to your health than a well-functioning immune system. Such ailments and diseases as the common cold, infections, asthma, food allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer are all related to immune system dysfunction. Immuno-deficiency is a condition in which the immune system is suppressed by certain factors, making you vulnerable to disease and infection. It is one of many disorders related to the immune system.

It is clear from Chinese medicine textbooks that Chinese medicine practitioners have been dealing with immune system disorders for at least 2000 years. The symptoms that are described are those of immune deficiency, allergic reactions, and auto immune disease. Effective treatments included natural herbs, dietary therapy, acupuncture and Tai Chi. These treatments are especially effective because they focus on strengthening the immune system and stimulating the body’s natural defence mechanisms.

Preventing disease and maintaining wellness are deeply rooted in the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The idea of taking care of one’s body, and of forestalling illness before it manifests has become part of Chinese culture. There, you will see people drinking ginseng herbal tea with their breakfast, having astragalus chicken soup in a restaurant for lunch, and cooking chiitake mushroom stir-fry for their dinner. It is very common for Chinese people to get regular Acupuncture treatments for the purpose of enhancing their immune system.

Diet and nutrition

Shiitake mushroom is one of the leading foods recommended by TCM practitioners for enhancing immunity. It contains lentinin, an anti-viral substance which has a strong immuno-stimulating activity. These brown, beefy-tasting mushrooms are used as a substitute for meat in the Chinese diet. Besides shiitake, other foods that are wonderful for our immune systems are garlic, sesame seeds, yogurt, and certain fruits and vegetables. The micro-nutrients beta carotene, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C are also key elements in strengthening our immune system.

Chinese herbs and herbal formulas

Many Chinese herbs have strong immunity- enhancing effects. Astragalus (Huang Qi) is very well known for its powerful ‘’ non-specific’’ immune system stimulating capacity, which works by increasing the numbers and activity of roving white blood cells. A study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Centre in Houston showed that astragalus extracts were able to completely restore the function of immune cells in cancer patients. The immune system can certainly be tonified, or even completely restored, by using this herb. This sweet-tasting root is often sliced and simmered in chicken broth, or cooked with vegetable soup. As effective as astragalus is by itself, Chinese herbal formulas actually achieve a much stronger effect than single herbs. An herbal formula is not only more powerful than a single herb, but can cover a wider range of symptoms. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a formula that has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Astragalus is the chief herb in this formula.

Ginseng (Ren Shen) is the most popular Chinese Herb on the market today (also the most abused). It is widely used as an immune system enhancer, and also as a general tonic. Most people do not know, however, that there are several types of ginseng available, including Chinese, Korean, American and Siberian ginseng. Each of these varieties has a different property, and it is wise to consult with your TCM practitioner to determine which type is best for you.

Literally hundreds of studies have been done on ginseng, and it has been found to have the following properties: It protects the liver, stimulates the immune system, prevents radiation damage to nerve tissue, has antioxidant effects, and prevents cancer. There are a number of ginseng products on the market these days, but best results can be obtained with a traditional formula like Shi Quan Da Bu Wan which has been used for a thousand years to treat immune deficiency and fatigue. Ginseng is the main herb in this one. It is also popular with post cancer patients receiving Chemo- or radiation therapy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another powerful tool to regulate the immune system. Research has shown that acupuncture treatments can increase the body’s T-cell* count, as well as the number of cells that ingest and destroy bacteria, protozoa, and debris cells. A study has shown that white blood cell count and mobility increased by 168% within 3 hours after Acupuncture treatment. Many people are beginning to realize that regular Acupuncture treatments can help regulate immune function and treat the fundamental cause of disease.

* T-cell: A type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is at the core of adaptive immunity, the system that tailors the body’s immune response to specific pathogens. T-cells are also known as T-lymphocytes. T stands for Thymus, the organ in which these cells mature.