Acupuncture excels as a preventive form of medicine: it makes us stronger so that we can avoid disease and it corrects minor imbalances before they become a bigger problem.
If you were to get an acupuncture treatment solely for preventative purposes (aka, a “tune-up”), your acupuncturist would select a group of points that do the following:
boost qi (our vital energy and the foundation of how everything in our body works, including the immune system)
strengthen digestion (that connection between gut health and immunity)
strengthen the lungs (in Chinese Medicine, the lungs are our first line defense against contracting external “wind conditions” like colds, flus, and allergies)
settle the mind (stress can weaken the immune system)
In between/ in lieu of your regular acupuncture treatments, a great way to stay healthy during “viral” times is with acupressure. Applying pressure to acupuncture points can help stimulate the channels and communicate with the nervous system to achieve the above actions.
Some helpful points to stimulate our natural defenses are: GB20, KI27, ST36, LU7, and LI4.
When locating points, feel for a tender spot or a place when your finger seems to dip slightly. Most acupuncture points are noticeable once you find them! Spend 30 seconds on each point. Apply firm pressure while breathing steadily into your abdomen.
Tip: Press the point on each side of the body to feel which one is more tender/sensitive. If you notice a difference, focus your acupressure session on the tender side.
Bonus tip: Acupressure points for immune support pairs well with eucalyptus, pine, tea tree, frankincense, and lavender essential oils
ACUPRESSURE POINT SELECTION FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT:
Gall Bladder 20 (GB-20) “wind pool”
Location: on the back of the head, in the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius
Actions: protects the body from exterior pathology (“wind invasions”); releases a headache and a stiff neck; nourishes the brain and benefits the eyes; and, clears the head and calms the spirit.
Kidney 27 (Ki-27) “shu mansion”
Location: on the chest, located about one inch from the midline on the lower border of the collar bone.
Actions: powerful point to reinforce immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system; especially good for people prone to upper respiratory infections. Descends qi and opens the chest to relieve congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, cough, anxiety, and depression.
Stomach 36 (St-36) “Leg Three Mile”
Location: located on the shin, about a hand length below the kneecap, just outside the prominent tibia bone
Actions: one of the most powerful points for boosting immunity. Tonifies whole body qi and blood, and strengthens the protective (wei) qi in particular; builds the body’s energy reserves and relieves fatigue; tones the muscles and aids digestion.
Large Intestine 4 (LI-4) “joining valley”
Location: located on the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger.
Actions: THE point to release the exterior and treat “wind” conditions— cold and flu symptoms like fever/ chills, runny nose/congestion, headache, sore throat, dizziness, etc.; and, boosts the body’s defenses against recurrence. A powerful anti-inflammatory point; relieves pain and moves qi; has a calming/analgesic effect. NOTE: Avoid this point if you are pregnant.
Lung 7 (Lu-7) “broken sequence”
Location: beginning at the depression in the wrist at the base of the thumb, approximately two finger widths up your arm.
Actions: strengthens the lungs to push out pathology. Traditionally used for early symptoms of a cold/flu like fever/chills and sore throat, but also bolsters the body’s resistance against seasonal bugs and viruses. Treats grief and sadness, which can weaken the lungs.
Acupressure is just one tool in the toolbox to assist with building up your immunity and defenses. If you’re looking for additional support, consider scheduling a virtual wellness visit with us! There are so many more tools to empower you in your own health, daily.
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References
Deadman, Peter. A Manual of Acupuncture (2007)
