Our immune system is basic to our health and well being. When it is deficient, it makes us especially vulnerable to illnesses such as bacterial infections, viruses (the common cold and flu), asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. When our immune system is not functioning well, either because of low reactivity or hyper-activity, it can affect every organ in our body, including our inflammation response. Inflammation causes joint, nerve, and organ pain, and in the last decade has been linked to heart, kidney and chronic lung diseases. Without a well-functioning immune system, we are susceptible to life-threatening illnesses.
Immune deficiency is treatable, and Eastern medicine has been successful in treating it for thousands of years! Using natural herbs, dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Tai Chi to treat immune deficiency have been highly effective because they focus on strengthening and stimulating the body’s natural defense mechanism.
Acupuncture is uniquely successful in regulating the immune system. Research shows that acupuncture treatments increase the body’s T-cell count as well as the number of cells that ingest and destroy bacteria, protozoa, and cell debris. The study showed that white blood cell counts and their mobility increased 168 percent within three hours of treatment. Practitioners utilize acupuncture to treat many auto-immune diseases such as Lupus, MS and rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture can regulate immune function and treat the fundamental cause of immune dysfunction.
Using diet and nutrition to support our immune systems is beneficial in many ways. Avoiding bad fats and refined sugar can help in digesting our food for maximum absorption of nutrients, which strengthens our immune system. Garlic, sesame seeds, yogurt, certain fruits and vegetables that are high in micro-nutrients such as beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C are key components in a diet that strengthens our immune system.
New Hope creates a complete immune health system of healing utilizing herbs, diet, acupuncture, and physical exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation to help you achieve the strong, effective immune system you need to fight disease.
Dr. Koh is one of a few select doctors of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (DAOM) in the U.S. Dr. Koh has extensive experience as an educator, currently being a Professor at Stanton University. For more information, please call 661-257-1233.