Time for an immune boost

The buzz of the holidays can be an exciting time full of good food, drink, and get-togethers. It can also be stressful and leave us feeling worn out. Have you been feeling low energy? Or maybe all the rich food and drinks of the season have left your mind feeling cloudy. You are not alone. While it's okay to indulge in the pleasures of the season, we need to allow our bodies to rejuvenate and our minds to refresh. With cold and flu season upon us, keeping our energy balanced and our immune system operating at its optimal potential is critical.

Did you know acupuncture can help revitalize your mind, body, and energy, allowing our immune systems to operate at their best? Using specific points on the body, acupuncture can balance the body's energy, calm the mind, and restore your Qi. Custom herbal formulas, used for thousands of years, can also help balance your Qi and keep you operating at your full potential.

A commonly used herb in our immune-supporting formulas is Astragalus. Research has shown its ability to promote B-cell proliferation and antibody production — both imperative to a healthy immune response. Astragalus also acts as an antioxidant, increasing healthy enzyme responses and decreasing free-radical damage, and has demonstrated an ability to decrease inflammatory responses.

Another commonly used herb in our immune-boosting formulas is Saposhnikovia root. Research has shown a wide range of medicinal benefits, specifically the ability to inhibit influenza, streptococcus, and pneumonia, among other cold- and flu-season pathogens.

For more information on the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine, we welcome you to give our office a call. Feel free to stop by our downtown SLO location or schedule on our convenient online patient portal.