Boost Your Immunity with Acupuncture and Holistic Practices

The days are growing shorter and temperatures are starting to drop, during this time our bodies naturally shift to prepare for the winter season.  This time of year is also known to many as cold and flu season.  Adopting some good self care habits to boost your immune system now can make a huge difference in staying healthy through the winter.

At Pacific Beach Acupuncture & Wellness, we believe in prevention first. We encourage our patients to create habits that strengthen your body’s natural defenses, restore balance, and promote wellbeing from the inside out.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the immune system is closely related to your Wei Qi, or “defensive energy.” This protective energy circulates at the surface of the body, defending against external pathogens like viruses and bacteria. When Wei Qi is strong, you’re less likely to get sick. When it’s weak or imbalanced, your body becomes more susceptible to seasonal illnesses.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are designed to strengthen Wei Qi, balance the body’s internal systems, and support healthy circulation—keeping your energy (Qi) flowing smoothly and your defenses strong.

On the other hand our Wei Qi can become weakened when we aren’t taking proper care of ourselves (eating the wrong foods, not getting enough sleep, not getting enough movement, excessive stress, etc.)

Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health. Here’s how:

• Boosts Immunity Function: Acupuncture has been shown to increase white blood cell activity, supporting your body’s ability to fight infection.

• Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens immunity. Acupuncture helps regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system.

• Improves Sleep: Quality rest is vital for immune repair and balance, and acupuncture promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

• Enhances Circulation: By improving blood and lymph flow, acupuncture helps deliver nutrients and immune cells more efficiently throughout the body.

• Balances Energy (Qi): Keeping the body’s energy pathways open and harmonious supports all organ systems, including the Lungs and Spleen—key players in immune strength.

Even if you’re feeling well, seasonal maintenance treatments can help keep your energy balanced and prevent you from getting sick.

Outside of your acupuncture appointments, there are simple ways to harmonize your daily habits with the season and support your body’s natural defenses:

1. Prioritize Rest: Go to bed a little earlier as the days get shorter. Your body rebuilds and regenerates at night.

2. Stay Warm: Protect your neck and feet from the cold—exposure to wind and chill can weaken your Wei Qi.

3. Move Gently: Moderate exercise like walking, stretching, or tai chi keeps energy flowing without overtaxing your system.

4. Practice Deep Breathing: Strengthening Lung Qi through mindful breathing helps build resilience against respiratory illnesses.

5. Stay Hydrated: Sip warm water or herbal tea throughout the day to keep your mucous membranes moist and protective.

In Chinese medicine, food is medicine. Seasonal eating helps your body adapt and thrive:

• Warming Soups and Stews: Bone broth, miso soup, and ginger-based broths nourish Qi and strengthen digestion.

• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets support grounding and immunity.

• Garlic, Ginger, and Onions: Natural antimicrobials that ward off colds.

• Mushrooms: Shiitake, maitake, and reishi help modulate immune function.

• Citrus and Pears: Hydrating and rich in vitamin C, they moisten Lung tissue and ease dryness.

• Herbal Teas: Astragalus, elderberry, and licorice root teas gently boost defense and soothe the throat.

This season, give your body the care and attention it needs to stay balanced and strong. Whether you’re seeking immune support, stress relief, or prevention, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you move through cold and flu season with ease.

Our treatments are designed to support your body’s natural healing abilities—so you can feel your best, all year long.

Book your seasonal wellness session today and keep your energy, immunity, and spirit strong this winter.