Balancing Immune Function
Acupuncture has been shown to increase serum alexin content, immunoglobulin, and phagocytic function of the macrophage cells, as well as increase lymphocyte transformation factors and the activity of T-cells. In this way, Acupuncture boosts the overall immune system function; therefore, Acupuncture can be clinically used to:
control infection, treat autoimmune disorders (such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic asymptomatic HBsAg carriers, autoimmune infertility, Lupus, and chronic fatigue syndrome,) and, address immune deficiency diseases like HIV/ AIDS. Similarly, Acupuncture has been shown to enhance overall immune function for cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy by raising white blood cell and T-cell counts, and enhancing the phagocytic function of the macrophages toward cancer cells
Immunomodulatory Herbs
| Ginseng/Rhizoma Ginseng | Enhances immune function, promotes recovery from tissue damage |
| Dong Chong Xia Cao/Cordyceps | Improve immune function prevents infection and boosts anti-cancer cell function |
| Reishi/Ganoderma lucidum | Increases cellular immune response, and treats and prevents the symptoms of allergic response |
| Noni/Morinda Citrifolia | Blood detoxification; eliminates sensitivity and enhances immunity |
| Flu-ease Serum/ Teatreemix | Used externally to control viral infections and ease flu-like symptoms |
| Flu-Cold Tea/ GMT | Helps ease the symptoms of flu or cold |
| Hayfever Tea /HQ | Helps ease the symptoms of allergies |
| Immune Balance Tea /HT | Inhibits allergic response |
| Rashclean / SZQ | Helps ease itchiness and skin rash associated with eczema |
| Rash-bath / SZX | Herbal bath or wash to promote the healing of skin |
| Herpease Help /BZQ | Helps ease the pain and inflammation associated with herpes outbreak |
Influenza
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection that results in symptoms such as fever, chills, bodyache, and so forth. It may lead to other infections such as ear or sinus infection, as well as bronchitis. The flu is worse than the common cold and usually occurs particularly around late fall and winter. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread from small droplets when a person sneezes, from physical contact, or contact with the person’s objects. It is at its most contagious 1 day before to 5 days after the symptoms develop.
Acupuncture treatment can boost immunity and increase antibodies and T-cells to control either viral or bacterial infection. Acupuncture has been shown to increase serum alexin content, immunoglobulin, and phagocytic function of the macrophages. Certain Acupuncture points with mild electrical stimulation for a minimum of thirty minutes have been shown to increase lymphocyte production, lymphocyte transformation factors and the activity of T-cells.
When flu season is approaching, or for high risk patients such as the elderly, or those potentially exposed to flu virus, bi-monthly preventative treatment is recommended. It is necessary to undergo twice weekly Acupuncture treatments during acute flu outbreaks. While experiencing high fever, patients may even receive daily treatment until the fever subsides. Acupressure is the preferred treatment method for children with flu. It is a very effective form of treatment and prevention, and is more readily accepted by most children over Acupuncture treatment. Preventive care with Acupressure treatment is recommended for those children exposed to flu virus in places such as school or daycare.
Flu-ease Serum: A very effective external use Herbal-aroma preparation which is used to control viral infection and ease flu-like symptoms. It has various applications and is safe and effective for children’s use.
- Gargling serum - to treat sore throat, cough sinus congestion and headache. Gargle with a solution of 4-6 drops of serum to 8 ounces of cold water 3-4 times a day.
- Rubbing serum - to treat headache, body ache, fever, chest pain and mucus. Apply externally around the head, chest, upper back and sinus area. Avoid contact with the eyes or mucus membranes as it may cause irritation and burning sensation.
- Steam or spray serum - to clean the air and control environmental pathogens. It works effectively to ease the symptoms of cough, asthma, congestion and allergic reaction and can be used for both treatment and prevention.
- Preventative use - 10-15 drops in bathwater or 5-10 drops in 10 ounces of water for spraying areas of family activity and around beds and bedrooms 10 minutes prior to bedtime.
Flu-Cold Tea Helps Ease the Symptoms of Flu or Cold: Flu-Cold Tea is a modern Herbal formula tea developed by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SUTCM) to help relieve the symptoms caused by flu or cold. The classical formula, on which it is based, developed during the Ming Dynasty, has been used for centuries to treat flu related symptoms. It has been clinically shown to help control viral infection of the upper respiratory system.
Research shows that Flu-Cold Tea formula can increase T-cells and antibodies. In clinical testing, it has been shown to control the symptoms from viral and bacterial infection within 30 minutes of ingestion. It also detoxifies the body, strengthens immunity, reduces congestion and water retention, and improves upper respiratory blood circulation.
Clinical Use Data and Guide
This formula is often used clinically to help relieve symptoms related with flu such as fever, sore throat, sneezing, congestion, ear or sinus infection, as well as bronchitis. It may also be used preventatively by people who are exposed to flu virus or for clearing the environment during flu season.
Suggested Clinical Dosage
This Herbal formula should be taken twice daily for treatment, once daily for preventive care. The Children’s formula is flavored to make it more palatable for children. Consult the Herbalist for detailed information.
Purity and Safety Advisory
This formula is a powerful mixture of 100% natural Herbs that has been used to successfully relieve symptoms as well as balance internal conditions. The individual components have been approved for import by the FDA as food supplements and the formulation is produced by pharmaceutical factories in the US which surpass international heavy metal and microbiological standards. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hay Fever Allergy
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is characterized by an allergic response to pollen, house dust mites, feathers, etc. There are two types of allergic rhinitis. One is seasonal, which only occurs during the time when plants pollinate. The second is perennial, which occurs throughout the year, reacting according to the environmental exposure to allergens such as pillows, shower curtains, thick carpeting, pet dander, paint, and textile fibers such as wool or cashmere.
Hay fever results from an overactive immune response to harmless pollens or other allergens. The system reacts by flooding the bloodstream with histamine, which inflames the sinuses and nasal passages causing sneezing. These symptoms are a means of protection either by expelling the allergen or preventing access through blocked nasal passages.
Main symptoms include violent sneezing, stuffy, runny nose, itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. Others related symptoms may include hives, itching around an insect bite, swelling, redness, atopic dermatitis, prolonged fatigue, and postnasal drip. Nasal secretions are usually colorless and thin. Hay Fever allergies differ from colds in that colds are also accompanied by fever or sore throat, which lasts for up to 2 weeks.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the body’s health condition is always related to the environment in which one lives. We have an innate immune response to the atmosphere to protect ourselves from illnesses. A strong and balanced immune system can fight against viral and bacterial infection without overreacting to harmless substances. This is defined as “Qi energy balance”. Modern people generally live in an air-conditioned or heated environment, rarely being exposed to natural air, and hardly exercising. This diminishes the body’s ability to adjust to cold or warm weather or detect the dust, mold, fur, pollen, and odors in the air. Thus the immune system becomes too weak to recognize the real “enemy”- bacteria or viruses. People become either too sensitive or too weak to properly interact with the environment. This is the main source of allergic reaction. Patients who suffer with Hay Fever also tend to experience other commonly related allergic responses such as food allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and so forth.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) natural allergy treatment therapy was devised using empirical knowledge developed through over 3,000 years of Chinese medical history. Acupuncture therapy can balance the immune system and stimulate the body to release antihistamines to naturally help alleviate symptoms, as well as control the body’s overreaction to harmless substances like pollen or dust. Herbal formulas taken orally can reduce inflammation and swelling to alleviate itchiness of the eyes and ears and stuffiness of the nose and sinus congestion. Recent clinical research shows that Acupuncture balances allergic response through balancing antibodies, increasing T-cell counts, and adjusting adrenal function.
Hayfever Tea/HQ Helps ease the symptoms of allergies
Hayfever Tea/HQ is an Herbal formula for balancing the immune system. It stimulates the body to release natural antihistamines to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes and difficulty breathing.
Clinical Use Data and Guide:
We recommend that patients with Hay Fever allergies begin taking Hay Fever tea two weeks before the onset of pollen season to help balance the immune system function to prevent and ease the allergic response. Patients may continue to take this tea for at least two additional weeks for maintenance once Hay Fever allergy symptoms have subsided. The dose of Herbal tea can be reduced when used for prevention or maintenance.
Suggested Clinical Dosage
Therapeutic Dose: 9 grams Herbal powder mixed with 8 ounces of hot water, 2 to 3 times daily, a half hour after meals.
Maintenance Dose: 9 grams Herbal powder mixed with 8 ounces of hot water, 1-2 times a day, a half hour after meals.
Notes: Avoid shellfish, spicy foods and alcohol when taking this Herbal tea.
Purity and Safety Advisory
This formula is a powerful mixture of 100% natural Herbs that has been used to successfully relieve symptoms as well as balance internal conditions. The individual components have been approved for import by the FDA as food supplements and the formulation is produced by pharmaceutical factories in the US which surpass international heavy metal and microbiological standards. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Immune Balance Tea /HT Prevents allergic reaction
Immune Balance Tea is an Herbal formula developed to prevent an overactive allergic response. A Chinese proverb states, "A skillful Doctor should prevent disease before it happens". This reflects the importance of TCM Preventive Care. Allergies result from a body’s hypersensitive reaction to the external environment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, balancing the immune function is more important than treating the symptoms. "Immune Balance Tea" is an Herbal desensitization formula specially developed to help regulate the body’s allergic response system.
Clinical Use Data and Guide:
This tea may be taken in summer and winter months as preventative allergy care. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this treatment method is referred to as “Nourishing the Lung and Kidney“. We recommend that patients with hay fever begin taking "Immune Balance Tea" two weeks before the onset of pollen season. They should also take this tea during the summer and winter for seasonal preventative allergy care.
Suggested Clinical Dosage
9 grams Herbal powder mixed with 8 ounces of hot water, 2 times daily, a half hour after meals. Avoid shellfish, spicy foods and alcohol when taking this Herbal tea.
Purity and Safety Advisory
This formula is a powerful mixture of 100% natural Herbs that has been used to successfully relieve symptoms as well as balance internal conditions. The individual components have been approved for import by the FDA as food supplements and the formulation is produced by pharmaceutical factories in the US which surpass international heavy metal and microbiological standards. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Treatment Menu
- During an acute attack of Hay Fever, Acupuncture treatment is recommended every other day for a week for a total of 3 treatments in order to control the symptoms. Daily intake of Herbal teas and pills are suggested for duration of two weeks. In most cases patient’s symptoms should begin to subside after the first visit. If Hay Fever is associated with an asthma attack, or infection of the eye, ear, nose or throat, the patient may require further visits to treat these complications.
- Once symptoms have subsided, maintenance treatments are recommended once every week or every ten days during the height of allergy season. The treatment will concentrate on balancing the immune system and preventing recurrence.
- When suffering from a bout of Hay Fever that is not seasonal in nature, please make a note of specific triggers and notify the Acupuncturist. Ming Qi Natural Healthcare Center has a seasonal healthcare program, which includes seasonal preventative allergy care. We will remind our patients one month in advance of their specific time for them to start their preventative treatment. We also suggest the patient undergo summer Moxibustion to balance the immune system. Patients who partake in timely preventive care usually avoid suffering allergic attacks during Hay Fever season.
Hay Fever Care for Children
Acupressure is the preferred treatment method for children when suffering from Hay Fever allergies. It is a very effective form of treatment and prevention and is more readily accepted by most children over Acupuncture treatment. The treatment follows the same meridians and points used in Acupuncture treatments, and are shown to be equally effective. Herbal oils can be applied as lotions or aromatherapy to great benefit. Herbal teas are more palatable for children when mixed with juice or other beverages.
Eczema and Pediatric Allergies
The increased prevalence of allergic diseases in Western societies, i.e. atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma, has been described as the epidemic of the 21st century. Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema is often the first sign of an allergic condition.
Eczema is often seen in individuals with a family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”) and/or food allergies. Symptoms vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are dry itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, as well as the hands and feet. Itching is the most common symptom of atopic dermatitis. Scratching and rubbing in response to itching irritates the skin, increases inflammation, and actually increases itchiness. Itching is a particular problem during sleep when conscious control of scratching is lost.
The appearance of skin affected by atopic eczema depends on the amount of scratching and the presence of secondary skin infections. The skin may be red and scaly, thick and leathery, contain small raised bumps or leak fluid and become crusty and infected. Skin lesions in infants often affect the face and skull. This skin condition may become chronic and is associated with the development of other allergic diseases. Appropriate early treatment is important not only for curing allergic skin conditions, but also for preventing the onset of future allergic diseases.
Finger Acupressure Therapy is used in place of Acupuncture treatment for children, in order to regulate and balance immune and adrenal function. Acupressure with Herbal aromatherapy treatment follows the same meridians and points used in Acupuncture treatments, and have been shown to be equally effective. Children may not always willingly participate in an Acupuncture treatment. Practitioners must then, “use their fingers as a substitute for the needle”, as well as employ the use of Herbal formulas, lotions, sprays and Herb-aromatherapy, which are often better received than the battery of pharmaceutical medications generally prescribed. These techniques have been shown to have excellent effect on balancing immune function, so the treatment works equally well in addressing both infection and allergic response. Children seem to enjoy this therapy since it is gentle and comfortable and works effectively at producing results.
Rashclean / SZQ is a pure Herbal formula proven effective for treating Pediatric Eczema, Skin Allergies, Acne, Urticaria, etc. The Traditional Chinese Medical approach in the treatment of such diseases is a holistic one, targeting the root causes of disease in the internal environment. Treatment involves regulating the body through the multi-aspects of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems to reach homeostasis and thus harmonize skin disorders.
Childhood eczema is a systemic disease often associated with abnormal intestinal function; therefore treatment should be systemic as well as topical. Infant eczema is different from adult eczema and therefore requires a different treatment principle. Although the symptoms in children can seem quite severe, they usually respond to treatment very rapidly.
Suggested Dosage: 6 grams Herbal powder mixed with 5 ounces of hot water, 2 times daily, a half hour after meals. Avoid shellfish, spicy foods and alcohol when taking this Herbal tea.
Rash-bath / SZX is a commonly used Herbal formula to heal the skin rash and reduce inflammation. Infant and childhood eczema is treated using the internal remedies together with two forms of external treatments; a bath additive (baby Herbal bath) and Herbal creams. Please consult our specialists carefully about the specific usage of these Herbal formulas.
While most children can be effectively treated for eczema, infants respond the most rapidly to this treatment protocol. The beneficial effects may last months or even years. In the event of future outbreak, the Herbal formulas/creams will continue to be effective.
Herpes
Herpes, (herpes simplex virus or HSV), is a sexually transmitted viral infection wherein skin blisters and sores appear on the genitals or the mouth. This is often spread via sexual contact with a person infected with the herpes virus while in the active stage (blister apparent). Through sexual activity, the virus can be spread to or from the genitals, anus, or mouth. The virus enters through a break in the skin or in moist areas such as the mouth, anus, or vagina. HSV can be spread from a genital sore to the lip or a cold sore in the lip to the genitals. Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States and worldwide.
Herpes infection can be caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the more common cause of genital herpes infection. Whether or not the patient has symptoms, he/she can still transmit the infection. If you are sexually active, condoms can help reduce, but do not eliminate the risk of spreading HSV.
Acupuncture boosts the overall immune system function increasing the production of both antibodies and T-cells. Acupuncture can also alleviate the pain associated with herpes outbreak, as well as promote healing of the affected skin.
Herpes outbreaks are commonly triggered by stress, the flu or infection of the genitals or urinary tract. Acupuncture treatment can also be effectively employed to prevent outbreaks. Treatment is comprised of relaxation, detoxification and boosting the immune system.
Acupuncture treatment for herpes can help control the symptoms and reduce the recurrence rate considerably. During an acute outbreak, twice weekly therapy is recommended for a period of 3 weeks, followed by once weekly for the next 4 weeks. Maintenance care will require monthly follow-up treatments for an additional 6 to 8 months.
According to published clinical research, women who are virus carriers treated using Acupuncture and Herbal therapy will have significantly less chances of having an outbreak than women who undergo no treatment. Bi-weekly Acupuncture treatment throughout pregnancy can not only prevent acute outbreak, but maintain remission and prevent the need for Caesarian section to protect the fetus from infection through vaginal delivery.
Herbal Formula Herpease / PZQ Helps ease the pain and inflammation associated with herpes.
This Herbal formula helps patients with pain and skin lesion in the oral or genital region. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herpes is brought about as a result of deficiency of qi (immune system) which allows pernicious external factors such as damp/heat to invade the body (sexually transmitted illness by viral infection). Herpease treats the infection and reduces inflammation, easing pain, and healing skin lesions.
Formula source and description：
Herpease / PZQ is an Herbal formula researched and developed by Shanghai Xiong Qi Biological Products, Ltd. This Herbal formula underwent six years of laboratory and clinical study for safety and effectiveness and has been approved for use in China in the treatment of herpes. It comes in capsule form and is made with 100% nutritional Herbs for patients with genital herpes, oral herpes, or shingles.
Preliminary laboratory research shows that Herpease / PZQ can inhibit HSV-1 development in vitro. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, herpes is brought about as a result of deficiency of qi (immune system) which allows pernicious external factors such as damp/heat to invade the body (sexually transmitted illness by viral infection). This pattern is referred to as Qi Deficiency-Damp Heat, and Liver Qi Stagnation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment plan is to clear the heat and dampness, and strengthen and move the qi to relieve pain.
Clinical Use Data and Guide
This special Herbal compound helps detoxify the body, relieve pain and itchiness, reduce local swelling, heal open sores, and strengthen the immune system. It is recommended that patients with herpes take Herpease / PZQ simultaneously with their Western medication to help reduce potential side effects from the medication. Furthermore, upon completion of course of Western pharmaceuticals, we strongly recommend continuing this Herbal formula for another 2-3 months for body detoxification.
Suggested Clinical Dosage:
- Herpease / PZQ comes in pill form. Patients take 6 pills twice daily for the first 3 weeks. For maintenance, patients may reduce the dosage after consulting with the Herbalist. We suggest taking this Herbal formula with warm water, a half an hour after eating. Ice, shellfish, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine are prohibited while taking the formula.
- Herpease / PZQ passed strict laboratory toxicity testing and has been shown to be safe to use. In very rare cases, some patients in clinical trials have experienced loose bowels, diarrhea, and stomachache.
Purity and Safety Advisory
This formula is a powerful mixture of 100% natural Herbs that has been used to successfully relieve symptoms as well as balance internal conditions. The individual components have been approved for import by the FDA as food supplements and the formulation is produced by pharmaceutical factories in the US which surpass international heavy metal and microbiological standards. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are classified into two types: organ-specific (directed mainly at one organ) and non-organ-specific (widely spread throughout the body). Examples of organ-specific autoimmune disorders are insulin-dependent diabetes (Type I) which affects the pancreas, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease which affect the thyroid gland, pernicious anemia which affects the spleen and stomach, Addison's disease which affects the adrenal glands, and chronic active hepatitis which affects the liver. Examples of non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders are rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus and myasthenia gravis.
Acupuncture has been shown to increase serum alexin content, immunoglobulin, and phagocytic function of the macrophages. Acupuncture can effectively increase the lymphocytes, lymphocyte transformation factors and the activity of T-cells which constitutes Acupuncture’s ability to boost the immune system, control infection, and help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune diseases such as chronic asymptomatic HBsAg carriers, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and immune deficiency diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Moxibustion is an ancient therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is particularly effective in strengthening the immune system and preventing illness. It is a harmless, painless process of burning special Herbs on Acupuncture points for quick absorption. Moxibustion has the function of tonifying the body's energy to help balance autoimmune disorders. Therapy is devised according to each patient’s unique diagnosis. Points are employed that can both help balance the immune system as well as treat the individual autoimmune disorder.
Herbs that benefit Immune Disorders
- Ginseng (Rhizoma Ginseng) plays a role in boosting immunity by enhancing macrophage phagocytic activity. Ginseng essential oil has been clinically shown to inhibit cancer cells, such as in the prevention or control of chemical carcinogen-induced liver cancer. It is also very beneficial in preventing fatigue and promoting faster recovery from tissue damage.
- Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) is a great immunomodulatory Herb which enhances a wide range of immune function. It is capable of T lymphocyte level adjustment that will not affect the function of the body's hematopoietic system, nor lymphocyte toxicity. It can also significantly improve the phagocytic and anti-tumor function of the monocyte - macrophage system.
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is an especially effective immunomodulatory and anti-tumor Herb. It can increase the cellular immune response, and promote antibody formation against chromosomal damage caused by the mutagenic activity of cyclophosphamide
- Noni Juice contains an abundance of Proxeronine and Proxeronase. The reaction of these elements in the human intestines produces a certain alkaloid called Xeronine which may play a key role in encouraging proper cell function and growth in the human body. Noni Juice also contains many minerals, carbohydrates and fats. Noni clears the blood, promotes wound healing, improves immunity, eliminates sensitivity, and prevents invasion by harmful substances, while boosting resistance to bacterial and viral infection.
Daily Nutritional Recommendations:
- Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in healthy bacteria; it helps alleviate mental stress and improves immunity.
- Water: The first cup of water the morning is particularly important! Water helps keep the nasal and oral mucosa moist; making you feel fresh and vibrant. Studies have shown that drinking water plays an important role in the physiological activity of the body's metabolism. Water can be easily absorbed by the body, so it enhances lactate dehydrogenase activity in the human organism, effectively improving the body's resistance to disease and immunity.
- Seafood: seafood contains iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, etc. Regular consumption can boost the immune function.
- Green tea: Theanine (sometimes referred to as "L-theanine") is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. Theanine has been shown to mobilize the body's immune cells to resist infection by bacteria, fungi and viruses more than fivefold.
- Red wine: Unlike the majority of alcoholic beverages, red wine contains antioxidants that not only enhance immune function but also help protect the heart.
- Animal liver: Animal liver contains folic acid, selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, and vitamins B6, B12, etc. These substances help boost immune function.
- Iron supplementation: iron can enhance the immune system, however is not recommended in dosages of more than 45 mg a day since excessive dosage can prove more harmful than good.
- Glutamine supplementation: Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid in the human body that functions to strengthen the immune system. Glutamine powder must be mixed with cold liquids (as heat will break down its active ingredients). It boosts immune function to prevent colds, stomach virus and digestive conditions.
- Arginine supplementation: sea cucumber, eel, loach, cuttlefish, yams, black sesame, ginkgo, tofu, frozen tofu, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts are rich in this substance. Arginine helps to strengthen the immunity.