COVID-19 and the Immune System
The World is stressed out and panicked - I get it. It’s not without warrant and our health is not without concern, and while a quarantine is helpful, there are many things we can do collectively to boost our immune system instead of simply trying to hide from a virus.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the following:
The Immune System & Our “Wei Qi”
Those More Susceptible to COVID
Ways to Strengthen the Immune System
Immune system
If we first approach our immune system from Western Science, our immune system is comprised of our white blood cells, antibodies / complement system, bone marrow, lymphatic system, spleen, and thymus. All of these work cohesively to ward of microbes. Viewing this through the lens of Chinese Medicine, our Immune System is represented by an Internal and External System. For the purpose of this article, let’s look more closely at the External System or our “Wei Qi”.
Our Wei Qi is our body’s intrinsic ability to ward off external pathogens - meaning colds, flus, sinus problems, allergies. The Wei Qi hovers around the skin and muscle layer to bolster it’s defenses. It’s job is to efficiently and effectively open and close our pores in response to our surroundings and our bodies needs. It has a direct connection to our Lungs and Lung Meridian, which is the Metal element; thus we can think of our Wei Qi as armor to the external world. If our Lung Meridian is compromised or Qi and Blood are not circulating well, our Wei Qi’s defenses diminishes, allowing for a higher susceptibility for contracting an external pathogen.
Increased susceptibility
It’s already been established that the elderly, young children, and those who already have lung issues are at risk of contracting COVID and what this is really saying is that anyone who is immunocompromised is at risk. As we enter a later stage in our lives, immune function decreases and children do not have a fully developed immune system until about the age of 7-8. In addition to these, there is a wide array of diseases and disorders that directly affect and/hinder our immune function.
Autoimmune Disorders
Circulation Issues
Compromised Liver & Natural Detoxification Function
Compromised Lung Function
Emotions of the Lungs: sadness, grief, worry
This one is interesting to note. It can go both ways; the emotion can cause a weakness in the Lung Meridian or the weakness in the Lung Meridian can cause the emotion. And who isn’t feeling a little bit of these emotions during this time?
Strengthen the immune system
Yes, it’s good, right and true to take proper precautions such as washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, practice social distancing, etc. - AND, it’s good, right and true to focus your efforts on boosting your body’s natural defenses and armor instead of simply trying to avoid it. Here are a few tips - as always, talk to your MD first before altering your regimen.
Rest often:
it’s a strange World to live in currently where many are now working from home and other’s are out of work. Boundaries are essential - try not to run yourself down. When we are tired / drained, our defenses weaken. Ever get sick when you go on vacation? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Practice balance in all things.
Stay covered up:
Right now, it’s spring time in California. There is a quote that states that “Spring is like summer in the sun and winter in the shade”. It also can be quite windy and wind is notorious in Chinese Medicine for carrying external pathogens into the body. External pathogens enter through the upper back and neck, so, despite the weather, do your best to stay covered. Try turtle necks or light scarves and jackets.
Consume Qi Boosting Foods:
Almonds, Carrots, Cherry, Chickpea, Coconut, Date, Egg, Fig, Grapes, Lentil, Mackerel, Millet, Oats, Potato, Quinoa, Rice, Sardine, Sweet Potato, Shiitake Mushroom, Squash, Tempeh, Tofu, Yam (Daverick Leggett - Helping Ourselves).
Incorporate Medicinal Herbs:
Other than the garlic, most of the herbs can either be found as a tea at your local grocery store or as a tincture or granule form at your local herbal medicine store or acupuncturist office - and they, of course, will help with recommended dosages. If you decide to incorporate Garlic, be sure to consume raw garlic with food - never on an empty stomach to avoid stomach irritation.
Astragalus
Elderberry
Garlic *
Ginger
Ginseng
Licorice
Pau D’Arco
Sage
There you have it, loved ones. Wellness during this time - or any - is not just simply prevention but strengthening our natural defenses. Our bodies are pretty intelligent and already know what to do but sometimes it’s nice to give it a little extra support. Onwards, ones!