The immune system, pathogens and Chinese medicine.

By Dr. Rebecca Brook

Acupuncturist, and Dr. of Chinese Medicine

Your immune system is under attack, all the time!

That’s right.

Your environment can bring a few known “pathogens” (Acupuncturist term for viruses, bugs, or natural influences like wind/rain, or even foods etc). These can present as great challenges, and somehow make us sick at times. So, how do these pathogens challenge your defenses?

Let’s explore a few reasons…and begin with the concept of “immunity” or in Chinese medicine terms, your “defensive qi”.

DEFENSIVE QI/WEI QI

This type of Qi is YANG in nature, as it sits and circulates around the skin and muscles of the body. It has a PROTECTING and WARMING function. Defensive Qi, otherwise known as WEI QI is there to protect and defend from external pathogens (like those listed above).

It is derived from the nutrition we consume, and has its root in the stomach and spleen (organs of transformation of food and transportation of energy from food). It spreads to the upper body (LUNGS) and also regulates the opening and closing of pores.

This means pathogens can enter through the skin - through this defensive qi. So how do we stop this from happening, and what type of pathogens can attack the body?

WIND - The “Spearhead” of Illness

An example of how it attacks the body : A common cold that starts suddenly with chills, slight fever, and a stiff neck might be called a Wind-Cold invasion.

What is Wind?

• Wind is yang in nature – it’s moving, fast, and changing.

• It is often the carrier of other pathogens (like Cold, Heat, or Damp).

• It invades the surface of the body, especially the skin/upper body (head, neck, throat).

Common symptoms of Wind invasion:

• Sudden onset of illness (e.g. colds or hay fever)

• Symptoms that move around – like pain that shifts location (the wind drives this)

• Itchy skin, rashes that come and go

• Tremors, dizziness, or spasms (internal Wind)

Season: Spring is the season of Wind, but it can strike year-round.

DAMP – The “Heavy, Sticky” Pathogen

An example of how it attacks the body : This type of pathogen can be from external sources (eg you are in a damp environment such as a swimming instructor, or you are frequently in damp and cold environments). Damp can also enter the body from literally eating “damp” type foods.A person who eats too many greasy or cold/raw foods might develop internal Damp, leading to sluggish digestion and a coated tongue.

What is Damp:

• Damp is yin in nature – it is heavy, slow, and lingering.

• It tends to accumulate, creating a sense of heaviness or obstruction.

• Damp can block Qi and cause digestive or fluid issues.

Common symptoms of Damp invasion:

• Heaviness in the limbs or body

• Foggy head or fatigue

• Digestive bloating, loose stools

• Swelling, puffiness, or fluid retention

• Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), skin eruptions with oozing

• Conditions like PCOS, Lipoedema and sometimes skin conditions like Cystic Acne

Season: Late summer is the Damp season, but it can arise anytime – especially in humid climates or from a poor diet.

COLD – The “Contracting and Congealing” Force

An example of how it attacks the body : cold environments, even work environments. A woman with cold feet, painful periods with dark clots, and cramping relieved by a hot water bottle may be experiencing Cold in the uterus.

Nature of Cold:

• Cold is very yin – it is contracting, slowing, and restricting.

• It can enter the body and constrict movement of Qi and Blood.

• Cold is especially damaging to the Kidneys and womb in women.

Common symptoms of Cold invasion:

• Aversion to cold, feeling chilly

• Tight, cramping pain that is relieved by warmth

• Cold limbs or cold in the lower abdomen

• Slowed digestion or diarrhoea

• Painful, delayed, or absent periods

Season: Winter is the season of Cold.

So here’s a quick summary before we go on to look at ways to erradicate pathogenic attacks.

• These external pathogens can enter the body when our Wei Qi (defensive energy) is weakened — often due to stress, overwork, poor sleep, or poor diet.

• They can also be generated internally, especially Damp and Cold, from improper eating habits or chronic illness.

• TCM treatment aims to expel the pathogen, strengthen Qi, and restore balance through acupuncture, herbs, food therapy, and lifestyle.

Resolving a pathogenic attack.

It depends on WHAT the pathogen is, because treatment options will be different.

To resolve dampness and phlegm we want to reduce the foods that encourage phlegm (sticky foods, cold foods, dairy etc), and increase the foods that resolve phlegm (more acrid foods, warming herbs which are carefully selected). Acupuncture treatment focuses on points to resolve phlegm/damp, and boost the functioning of the spleen and stomach. This enables the body to move fluids out more efficiently, so they don’t congeal in the body and turn to phlegm.

In order to deal with wind-cold invasions, an example of this would be to warm the body and nourish the fluids. Releasing the exterior of the body (so driving out the cold) is another way, and acupuncture is great at doing this, alongside herbal formulas. Often the associated symptoms involve white/clear mucous, so we need to support the defensive qi as well to keep the excess at bay. Also, addressing any digestive complaints in wind-cold attacks is important, because the digestion is central to recovery after all!

Wind invasions which are seasonal, like hayfever, need to be tackled well before their onset if possible. As an Acupuncturist, I like to see patients well before hayfever season (ideally in June) to combat their immune deficiencies, and boost their defenses BEFORE the allergens arrive. If there are skin conditions associated with this internal wind, we work on those alongside the defensive qi support. I also like to prescribe herbal formulas for patients to have on hand when the season hits, so you are well equipped to deal with any pollen onslaught that may arrive.

With a variety of possibilities, treatment within a Chinese medicine framework is always unique to the patient.

If you are a person who gets sick every year, feels like they haven’t quite got over the last cold before another one hits, or are a person prone to seasonal allergies, then book a consultation to work through your needs. Ultimately, you want to feel better-long term. Chinese medicine can support you in this goal, and if you stick to the regime, stick to the recommendations, you will reap the rewards.

Dr. Rebecca Brook consults most days @ Beach Acupuncture & Wellness at Christies Beach.

Appointments can be made by clicking the BOOK NOW button.