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3 Immune-Supporting Tips A TCM Practitioner Wants You To Know

Author:

Paige Bourassa, DACM, L.Ac., RHN

April 02, 2020

Licensed Acupuncturist

By Paige Bourassa, DACM, L.Ac., RHN

Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Paige Bourassa is nationally board certified in acupuncture. She studied psychology at the University of Colorado, holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine (DACM) and a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Image by Visual Spectrum / Stocksy

April 02, 2020

For those times you can't run out to see your favorite doctor or energy healer, there are still plenty of ways to reap the immune-supporting benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is a 5,000-year-old system that uses tools like acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping to heal the mind and body. Here are three ways you can use the time-tested medicine to support immunity naturally from the comfort of home:

Eat warm food and drinks.

I cannot stress this enough: Our digestive organs need warmth in order to properly function. Peristalsis, the physical movement of your food being pushed along the digestive tract in order to be absorbed, requires muscle and energy. The inside of your body is warm, and your muscles function best when they're warm, too (hence why we do warmups before working out).

When you repeatedly consume cold foods and beverages, the cold temperature puts out the "fire" of your metabolic system. Just imagine what would happen if you hopped in an ice bath right after a long run: Your muscles seize up, contracting and constricting, causing blood flow to slow down.

By swapping out some of the cold, raw veggies and salads in your diet for cooked soups, roasted vegetables, and warm bone broths, you can ease that stress on your digestive system and free up some energy for your immune system.

Spice things up with warming, invigorating Chinese herbs.

To up the warming factor of your foods, you could also throw in some chili pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, or cloves. Here are some more immune-supporting, energizing herbs that are popular in TCM and ideas for how to prepare them:

Astragalus Root: In TCM, astragalus root (also known as Huang Qi) is used to increase energy, prevent colds and flu, and reduce stress 1. Its taste is mild so you can throw it in anything from oatmeal to stews and it won't interrupt your flavoring.
Turmeric: Traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory effects 2, curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) has been shown to modulate the activation of T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, your body's natural immune cells. Try it fresh or dried, add it to a curry, or chew on organic turmeric root while writing emails.
Honey: This super-sweet alternative to sugar has antibacterial 3 and anti-inflammatory 4 benefits when it's used in its most organic and raw form. In TCM, we also prescribe honey as an herb to help moisten the lungs in the case of a dry, hacking cough. Try Manuka honey or another high-quality variety. (Darker honey tends to be best since it has a higher polyphenol count.)
Ginger: Fresh ginger, or Shen Jiang as it's called in Chinese herbal medicine, is used in many herbal formulas that I prescribe to patients who are suffering from chronic illness, impaired digestion, or reduced immune function. Research has found that ginger can help soothe nausea and reduce inflammation 5. Throw it in some hot water to sip on all day, or add it to your next stir fry.
Asian Ginseng: Known as Ren Shen in TCM, Asian Ginseng is another great immune supporter 6. It's also high in antioxidants. Use this herb for short periods of time during cold and flu season and then take a break, as it's not meant to be part of your daily regimen.

Let food be thy medicine.

Chinese food therapy divides flavors into five categories, with each one corresponding to different organs, in order to promote balance in the body:

Sour food is thought to address liver function and ease vomiting.
Salty food enters the kidneys and is thought to moisten and cool the body.
Bitter food enters the heart and the small intestine and helps cool heat and dry any dampness (think phlegmy coughs or edema).
Spicy food enters the lungs and large intestine and helps stimulate appetite and improve circulation.
Sweet food enters the stomach and spleen and helps nourish the body.

Drawing on this theory, it's best to balance your meals by flavor. A few invigorating, warming ingredients to begin with include pears (sweet), garlic (spicy), almonds (salty), and scallions (bitter), and fermented veggies (sour).

If you're looking for new ways to support your immunity while you're hanging at home, TCM is a great place to start. You may just find this ancient practice was—and still is—a great approach to overall well-being.

Paige Bourassa, DACM, L.Ac., RHN

Dr. Paige Bourassa is the founder of Shen Medicine, an Acupuncture wellness practice in the heart of New York City and Shen Medicine South, in Nashville Tennessee.

Paige grew up in Vancouver, Canada and became passionate about Alternative Medicine after having several remarkable experiences with it at a young age. After High School she enrolled in Canada’s first Holistic Nutrition program at the Canadian College of Natural Nutrition and graduated a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. From there she traveled extensively through Asia where her passion blossomed into studies as she began taking an interest in Ayurveda, an ancient East Indian medicine. After living in India for several months she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to pursue her Ayurvedic training further studying alongside the famous Dr. Vasant Lad at his Ayurvedic Institute. Following Ayurveda, Paige pursued a Psychology degree at the University of Colorado and began to assimilate what she had learned of Eastern Medicine with Western Psychology. Understanding that disease in the body is most often attributed to disharmony within the psyche/emotions, a concept called “Psychosomatic Illness”, Paige was drawn to the integrative philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine where everything is believed to be interconnected. After falling in love with the TCM approach to health science, she went on to complete a 4-year Masters of Science degree as well as a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science.