Wei Qi-Immune Support

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Wei Qi

According to Chinese medicine, disease is more likely to occur when defenses have been weakened and resources have been depleted. If a person maintains an unhealthy diet or does not get adequate sleep over time, the Wei Qi is weakened and they will not be resilient; similarly, if a person is exposed to excessive amounts of damp weather or wind, their Wei Qi and adaptive strengths will weaken and they can more easily develop an external pathogen, or viral infection. The Wei Qi of Chinese medicine might be likened to the innate immune response in Western medicine, whereas, the adaptive immune response would correspond more closely to the functions of the major Yin organs of Chinese medicine and their relative strength or balance. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, organic herbs, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

Acupressure for Immune Support

Everything You Need to Know to Apply Self Aroma Acupressure Linked Here!

Apply our Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure point Stomach 3 6
Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 9
Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point San Jiao 5

5 Basic Acu-points Explained:

Stomach 36 is the premier acupuncture point for immune support!
The Lung Energetic System and is the most external organ system and is closely connected to the Wei Qi of Chinese medicine. Lung 9 is the Source Acu-point for the Lungs.
Kidney 3 reinforces our vital energy necessary for a strong resistance to pathogens and illness. It also works to lessen our vulnerabilities to genetically based auto-immune diseases and immune deficiencies as it fortifies our Essence, or Jing.
Liver 3 helps to expel pathogenic Wind, both internal and external (especially when combined with Large Intestine 4). It is a crucial point for detoxification.
The San Jiao, or Triple Burner, is responsible for metabolic communications between all of the organ systems harmonizing systems involved with a healthy immune response. Also, the San Jiao belongs to Shao Yang, the pivot point between where pathogenic factors enter the body from the exterior and travel deeper to the interior where they can cause greater damage. San Jiao 5 is specific for expelling Wind pathogens and releasing them to the exterior.

Common Imbalances Associated with Wei Qi

Wei Qi–Lung Imbalances

The Lung system is the most exterior organ and is the first internal organ typically affected by exterior pathogens. The Lung system also includes skin and is associated with Wei Qi and the ability to have a strong defense as the Wei Qi circulates in the area of the level of the skin. This pattern would have symtpms of coughing, difficulty exhaling, wheezing, asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis and so on. Consider our organic White Tiger Return formula!

Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 9

Wei Qi-Spleen Qi Imbalances

The Spleen according to Chinese medicine plays a central role in blood production and is responsible for how we utilize nutrients vital for a healthy immune response. The Spleen system also influences the amount of Internal Dampness that accumulates in the body. Internal Damp Phlegm creates stagnation throughout the body and throughout the lymphatic system impeding the lymph fluid from transporting toxins out of the body. Consider our organic Restore the Middle Way formula!

Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 9

Wei Qi and Qi Deficiency

When there is not enough Qi and Blood circulating to the organs to properly nourish them, the organs become weak and susceptible to pathogens and disease. Deficient conditions would include a poor appetite and the person would be tired. Generally, a Wei Qi Deficiency would include a Qi Deficient pattern. Consider our organic Restore the Middle Way formula!

Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3

Wei Qi – Kidney Imbalances

The Kidney system includes bone marrow (and Blood production) in Chinese medicine and is closely associated with DNA and familial attributes of disease patterns. Abundant Jing, or Essence is vital in maintaining a healthy Wei Qi. Consider our organic Yin Valley formula!

Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3

Wei Qi and Toxic Excess

If Organ Systems become diseased the proper systems of elimination such as the lymphatic system, Liver, skin, and Kidneys will become less effective at dispersing toxins and accumulations will occur. Health in the body relies on the constant movement of Blood, Qi, and interstitial fluids; if fluids stagnate, they heat up just as a stagnant pond accumulates bacteria and algae and heats up. Moreover, an accumulation of toxins can in itself overpower the Wei Qi and create a friendly terrain for disease. Look to herbs for detoxification in cases of excess impeding the Wei Qi. Consider our organic Central River formula!

Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Gallbladder 41

Wei Qi and Sleep Disturbances

For many years we viewed sleep as lost or wasted time; however, scientific research performed over the last decade has proven that adequate sleep in necessary for good mental and physical health. Additionally, it has been shown that sleep in central in supporting immune health as it is during sleep when the central nervous system and immune system are able to communicate and regulate the body's bio-defenses and mediate communication through neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines (think San Jiao as mentioned at the top of the page where the 5 basic points are explained). (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768894/)

Wei Qi and Stress

Scientific studies draw a direct line from chronic stress to a reduced immune response, especially as we age. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082590/) In traditional Chinese medicine we use acupressure, stress adaptogen herbs, and meditation to normalize the stress response and make the individual more resilient to stress.

Traditional Chinese Medicine-Wei Qi

In western medicine and eastern medicine the immune system is a functional system that includes a symphony of energetic organ systems that are interrelated. Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining balance throughout the human organism to maintain a healthy Wei Qi. If the body is able to be adaptogenic than it can be resistant to diseases.

According to Chinese medicine, the immune system begins with the Protective Qi, or Wei Qi. Wei Qi circulates just below the skin during the day and it keeps pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins at the exterior of the body. A strong Wei Qi wards off pathogens. If the Wei Qi is a bit weak, pathogens can 1st move to the exterior level of the body where they can cause a cold or flu. If the pathogen is not properly treated and expelled, it can move deeper to the organ system level where chronic disease patterns can develop. The body must have abundant Qi to maintain Wei Qi.

As any organic gardener can tell you, vegetables and herbs grown in a healthy rich soil are not as susceptible to pests and disease as plants that are grown in a poor soil. Likewise, a body that is nourished, healthy, and balanced is not susceptible to viral infections, bacterial infections, or disease. Nutritive tonic herbs are excellent at rebuilding core health just as adding compost and organic material strengthens the soil.

Preventing disease has been a core concept in Chinese medicine; the Neijing, an ancient traditional Chinese medical texts states, “To administer medicines to diseases which have already developed and to suppress revolts which have already developed is comparable to the behavior of those persons who begin to dig a well after they have become thirsty, and of those who begin to make their weapons after they have already engaged in battle. Would these actions not be too late?” This belief was further emphasized by the fact that doctors of that time were paid to keep their flock well, and lost status if their patients fell ill.

In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Wei Qi circulates on the surface of the body, protecting the body from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses; this concept is loosely related to how modern medicine views the immune system and is thousands of years old. In western medicine, only viruses can cause viral infections. In Chinese medicine, viruses and other pathogens are ever present and do not generally pose a threat to health unless the Wei Qi is weak and cannot protect the body.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

Cho, S. Y., Yang, S. B., Shin, H. S., Lee, S. H., Koh, J. S., Kwon, S., … Park, S. U. (2017). Anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory effects of acupuncture after craniotomy: study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Trials, 18(1), 10. doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1712-7

Lee, S. W., Liong, M. L., Yuen, K. H., & Krieger, J. N. (2014). Acupuncture and immune function in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized, controlled study. Complementary therapies in medicine, 22(6), 965–969. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.10.010

Chen, S., Qu, S. H., Zhang, Y., Wen, Z. H., Guo, S. N., Zeng, W. M., … Zhao, J. P. (2019). Impact of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis on the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 372. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3424-2

Chen, L., Xu, A., Yin, N., Zhao, M., Wang, Z., Chen, T., … Chen, Z. (2017). Enhancement of immune cytokines and splenic CD4+ T cells by electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint. .. PloS one, 12(4), e0175568. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175568

Robert-Guroff M. (2016). The Yin and Yang of ADCC-Mediating Antibodies. EBioMedicine, 3, 10–11. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.01.003

Dr. Browne's Shared Insights and Experiences

My mother was a public health nurse in San Francisco back in the 50's and 60's; she walked the Tenderloin in high heals and a skirt searching for TB patients. In the 70's and 80's she was a public health administrator having earned a masters degree from University of Berkeley, CA. I always think of Chinese medicine as the ultimate preventative medicine able to bring balance to the body even before major illnesses develops using herbs, acupressure-acupuncture, and so on. While discussing preventative health with mom around her 90th birthday she had to gently reminded me that she was involved in preventative medicine and educating patients on self-care methods long before I was born; it's insightful to receive a gentle reminder from our elder healers from time-to-time. Kudos to the work of our public health workers, including my mother, in the prevention and patient self-care education in the fight against the development and spread of disease!