With the advent of AIDS, increased pollution and stress, many diseases which have been a result of decreased immunity, have increased in frequency and occurrence. In fact, AIDS has already reached epidemic proportions. Some of the other diseases which are a result of decreased immunity include Candidiasis, bronchial disorders, allergies, hepatitis, flus and colds, skin and urethral infections, dysentery, chronic fatigue syndrome, mononucleosis, psoriasis, arthritis, lupus erythrematosis, and many more. Chinese herbs and acupuncture have been demonstrated to profoundly affect the immune system so that it is strengthened and enhanced and the symptoms of the disease gradually subside. In fact, 27 medicinal herbs have been studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and found to have anti-infective properties for the HIV virus.
In the past, the immune system was believed to be concerned with providing a defense from microbial organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Later, it was seen to be involved with allergic and other hypersensitivity phenomena as well. It has recently been shown that the immune system is an important factor in combating degenerative disease and maintaining general good health.
But first, we must understand the definition of immunity. Immunity has commonly been thought of as the resistance of the host to reinfection by a microorganism, such as a virus or bacteria. It is now known that the immune system has a much broader range of activity than the aforementioned function. The immune system includes the idea of an adaptive system in which the body attempts to maintain homeostasis or balance between the internal and external environment.
Chinese herbs and acupuncture have many important immune functions. There are herbs that treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison’s disease, Leukemia, and infant ABO type of hemolysis, as well as Psoriasis, Lupus and Allergic Rhinitis. A formula called anti-rejection I with Glycyrrhiza Glabra is used for the rejection of organ transplantations. Schizandra is used to treat urethral infections and in addition, there are more than 3,000 Chinese herbs in the treatment of Cancer.
Both acupuncture and herbs have been researched to show that they increase various immune system elements such as increased leukocytes, monocytes, T-cells, lymphocytes, interferon, and various immunoglobulins or antibodies.
Thus, it is important to realize the tremendously powerful effects that both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can have on strengthening, stimulating and supporting the immune system, so that the individual taking advantage of these therapies can support and maintain good health, as well as help to get rid of various immune system disorders.