Boost Your Immune System for the Winter
Remedies for Cold & Flu Prevention with Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic, M.Ac. O.M., L.Ac.
As Portland’s cold weather sets in, our bodies become more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. But don’t worry—acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are powerful tools to help you stay healthy this winter. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing simple ways to boost your immune system and stay strong through the cold and flu season.
Boost Your Immune System for the Winter
Winter challenges the body, but acupuncture is an effective way to strengthen your defenses. By boosting your Qi (vital energy) and fortifying wei qi (protective energy), acupuncture helps you stay resilient against viruses. It also reduces stress, which can weaken immunity. Regular acupuncture treatments can help you maintain balance, energy, and immunity during the colder months.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help enhance the immune system and ward off illness. Its immune-stimulating functions treat all types of cold and flu effectively, achieving a quick recovery without side effects. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that Chinese medicine reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and shortens the course of illness. Chinese medicine views colds and flu as pathogenic invasions that can easily be expelled using certain treatment points and herbs. If caught in the early stages, especially within the first few hours of the onset of symptoms, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi Gong can be very effective at eliminating pathogens. Once the illness has progressed beyond the early stages, Chinese medicine can be used as symptomatic relief and adjunct therapy.
Chinese Herbal Remedies for Cold & Flu Prevention
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbs are key to preventing and treating cold and flu symptoms. Here are some powerful herbs to support your immune system this season:
Astragalus (Huang Qi) – Strengthens Immunity
Astragalus is one of the best herbs to tonify Qi and strengthen your body’s defenses. It helps improve your resistance to illness and can be added to soups or broths for extra immune support.
Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) – Boosts Energy & Immunity
Cordyceps is prized for enhancing energy and immunity. It’s especially useful when you feel fatigued or run down, and it supports respiratory health.
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) – Clears Heat
Honeysuckle is used in TCM to clear heat and toxins, perfect for sore throat and fever. It can be brewed into a tea or used in TCM formulas to help combat respiratory infections.
Stay Healthy & Strong This Winter
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are great ways to strengthen your immunity and stay healthy all season long. If you’d like personalized advice or treatments, we’re here to support you. Book an appointment with Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic and take the first step toward a healthier, more resilient winter season. Call us at (503) 272-6646, or book online!
