By Peter Francis Cunneen, MATCM

Welcome to my immunity blog.  In this first section we will go through general principles of immunity according to the holistic energy medicine of ancient China. In future blogs you will discover more detailed dietary advice, demonstrations of self-massage on acu-points and more Qigong practice that can be practiced outside or inside, especially if you might have to spend “sheltered in place” or in various levels of confinement.

Immunity in Chinese medicine involves a complex interplay of numerous bodily systems working in concert to identify and respond to external pathogens. Proper spleen-pancreas-stomach digestion & absorption of nutrients, smooth neurological functioning as governed by the liver, strong endocrine support by the kidney system, and the lungs and defensive energy network vitality all play a part in producing an effective immune response.

A poor diet or under-functioning digestion and we lack vital nutrient substances for immune functioning. Overly stressed nervous system and we are no longer able to differentiate the true threat and become constantly hyper-vigilant leading to a state of exhaustion with poor immune response or a hyper-reactive state of chronic inflammation; neither offering effective protection. An unhealthy lifestyle lacking proper balance of sleep and rest, use of recreational drugs and other irregularities can accelerate the aging process, lead to burn-out and weaken the kidneys & endocrine system and repeated infections, smoking and lack of exercise can weaken the lungs and defensive Qi.

So keeping our bodily systems strong by maintaining a good healthy daily diet and balanced lifestyle is always the first priority.

Simple self-care checklist during a pandemic

• Stay calm. Stress stimulates our cortisol and adrenalin hormones that tend to suppress the immune system. Practicing meditation or the gentle movements of Qigong transforms the stress and anxiety into calm, centered energy. Being calm externally, we think and move through life with more ease; being centered internally and the management of our internal systems of self-defense also proceed with more order and effectiveness.

• Be clean. Daily hygiene should include regular hand washing, showering, and salt water gargling. To avoid bringing in microbes from outside the home – leave your shoes outside the door and discard outer clothing into the laundry hamper upon arrival from outside.

• Be warm & sunny. Drink warm-hot liquids all day. Take in the sun (but not to the extent you give yourself sun burn!) – UV light is known to act as a neutralizer on pathogens.

• Get plenty of rest.

My second blog will follow soon!