Immunity Wellness Secrets: Ancient Chinese Medicine for Modern Life
Have you ever noticed how everyone seems to catch a cold when autumn rolls around? There’s a fascinating reason for that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). So, brew a hot cup of your favorite tea, cozy up under a blanket, and let’s dive into ancient wisdom that’s surprisingly resonant for our busy, modern lives!
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient holistic healthcare system with roots tracing back thousands of years. At the heart of TCM is the belief that true harmony comes from balancing the mind, body, and spirit. By understanding the intricate relationship between our vital organs and the flow of life force energy called Qi (pronounced chee), TCM practitioners study the healing powers of food, herbs, and acupuncture to address the root causes of imbalance. Whether working to strengthen the immune system, soothe anxiety, support hormonal imbalance, or boost overall vitality, TCM can offer a well-balanced approach to healing.
Your Body’s Dream Team: Lungs & Spleen
Together, the lungs and spleen are a dynamic duo for staying healthy. In TCM, fall is associated with the lung system—our body’s defensive superhero. Think of the lungs as your personal bodyguard against pesky seasonal bugs, which tend to creep up as the seasons change. They’re the burly bouncer checking IDs at the door, except they’re checking for unwanted germs trying to enter our system. 🤧 The lungs manage Qi, keep your skin glowing, and run your internal security system. The lungs favor nourishing, moistening, and slightly warming foods that protect them from dryness, which can lead to a cough. A few ideal lung foods include pears, ginger, and honey.
Here’s the cool part: the lungs don’t work alone! They have a trusty sidekick in the spleen system (which, in TCM, is associated with your digestive system). The spleen is your body’s meal prep—ensuring nutrients are absorbed and the body is nourished. When happy, the spleen guarantees digestion is functioning and working properly. The spleen hates being cold, which means, for proper digestion, it prefers cooked meals that are a warm hug to the digestive system. Sorry smoothie lovers—save those for the summer months! 😉
As the weather shifts and our environment becomes drier in the fall, the lungs are vulnerable to invasion by troublesome viruses and colds. When the spleen’s digestive fires aren’t nourished properly as the temperatures drop, it will fail to work synergistically with the lungs to keep the immune system strong to fight against pathogens. Don’t worry though—we’ve got you covered with my favorite TCM hacks for immune support!
Power Herbs to Fuel the Lungs & Spleen
Here are two herbs I recommend to help support your immune system throughout the fall and winter:
Astragalus (Huang Qi): Astragalus is a root herb that’s been used in TCM for thousands of years. It works as your immune system’s personal trainer, helping you fight off pathogens and boosting lung qi. It does this through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties.
Ginger: Ginger root is a popular herb used to aid in digestion and alleviate the common cold. Ginger is warming and energizing, strengthening the spleen and helping to protect against pathogenic invasions.
When the windowpanes begin frosting, nothing is more soothing than a warming tonic. These two immune-boosting and digestion-strengthening herbs create the perfect DIY wellness potion for colder months! Here’s an easy recipe:
Astragalus + Ginger Tonic
Pour 4 cups of water into a small saucepan over medium-heat and bring to a boil.
Add 3 to 5 pieces of freshly chopped or sliced ginger root, about 1/4-inch thick.
Add 3 pieces of astragalus root (find it online here).
Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain mixture through a mesh strainer and let cool slightly.
Add raw honey to sweeten, if desired (and for its amazing flavor and medicinal benefits!)
Press Here for Wellness
Got two quick minutes? You can also activate the lungs and spleen through acupressure points, which are the pressure points on the body where acupuncturists place needles to stimulate the meridian energy channels. Think of these acupressure points as reset buttons in the body that will help support both organs.
Stomach 36 is known as a master point due to its healing superpowers. It boosts immunity, strengthens qi, brings energy to the body, and supports digestion. Stomach 36 is said to ground us during times of stress, helping relieve anxiety and mental fatigue. This is my favorite point to incorporate for burnout, especially when paired with digestive complaints.
Find this point four finger widths below the kneecap on the lateral (outer) side of the leg, along the stomach meridian channel. To activate it, press on the points for 30 seconds, 1-3 times a day. Watch a demo here!
Lung 7 is an acupressure point that helps the body expel pathogens and relieve symptoms of pathogenic invasions like asthma, coughing, headaches, and sore throats. In TCM, the lungs are also associated with grief and sadness, so Lung 7 supports us in releasing some of these emotions that can get stored in our physical bodies.
This acupressure point is located on the radial side (thumb side) of the forearm about 1.5 fingers above the wrist crease. Once you find the point, it’s the same method to activate the point as Stomach 36 by pressing for about 30 seconds, 1-3 times a day.
The Grand Finale: Your Fall Wellness Action Plan
What I want you to take away from the ancient wisdom of TCM is that colder months don’t have to mean falling sick! Incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine can help you thrive through the winter as it eventually transitions into spring. Remember, nature slows down in the fall and winter, so it’s a perfect time for us to take life a little bit slower and enjoy the cozy season, too!
Paige Massarelli is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Registered Herbalist based in beautiful Boulder, CO. She is passionate about empowering women to achieve optimal health and wellness through holistic root cause treatment. Paige treats a wide range of concerns, from hormonal imbalance and fertility challenges to mental health disorders and insomnia.