"When the Righteous Qi is strong, no evils will enter." is the classic line in Chinese Medical texts that is fundamental to the explanation of the immune system. The scenario that leads to this statement is when 10 people are put in a room with another actively contagious person, not all of them will get sick. Is this because the germs didn't travel far enough to get all of them? No. It is because some of those people's immune systems were strong enough to resist infection by the pathogen. The Chinese Medical idea of the immune system is what's called "wei qi" (there were no microscopes in ancient China to identify T-Cells). Wei qi is basically a force field that protects the body from invading organisms or elements.

Now one of a few things can happen based on this scenario. Either the pathogen is strong enough to penetrate a person's defenses (immune system) or it isn't. If the immune system is strong and the pathogen is weak, no infection will take place. In a western medical model this basically means that the body has antibodies to this specific bacteria or virus. Or if the immune system is weak, the pathogen will prevail, and the person will become infected. Now some pathogens are especially virulent, or strong, and only the healthiest and hardiest of people will avoid infection. These are the people who are NEVER sick, or if they are, only for a short while, with little to no symptoms.

So how does a person reduce their risk of infection and strengthen their "Wei Qi"? Since the Wei Qi is generated by the lungs and the digestion, keeping these systems strong is paramount. We all know that there are intestinal flora and beneficial bacteria that help us resist illness from food and other oral routes. These beneficial bacteria are destroyed along with pathogenic bacteria when antibiotics are taken. So maintaining a healthy digestion, eating easy to digest, nutrient rich, well cooked foods is key. Also to maintain the health of the lungs, regular breathing exercises like those taught in Qi Gong, Meditation, and Yoga are recommended.

And almost equally important, reducing stress levels will help maintain the Wei Qi. Stress will weaken the lungs, and the digestion, both necessary for building the immune system as discussed above. We all are familiar with the involuntary sighs that are generated when we are under stress. This is an effort by the lungs to keep the stress in check, because if it becomes too strong, it will overwhelm the lungs and deplete the immune system.

So, to wrap it up, as with most health recommendations, to maintain a healthy immune system, or Wei Qi, eat right, exercise, and manage your stress levels, and  "No evil will enter."

To learn more about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, visit www.fourpillarsacupuncture.com or come in to one of  the Four Pillars Acupuncture offices in Temecula or Lake Elsinore, to speak with me, Michael Padilla, L.Ac. personally.