Natural Way to StrengthenThe Immune System

Cathryn Hu, Ph.D., O.M.D.,L.Ac. Advanced Acupuncture, Inc.

Wellness Class 2011

The Human Immune System

Organs of Immune System

Cells of the Immune SystemT-CellsNatural Killer CellsB-CellsGranulocytes or Polymorphonuclear LeukocytesMacrophagesDendritic Cells

Communication between these cells occurs by interference and other chemical messages that govern the immune system.

There should be a balance between the helper and suppressor T-cells.

T- LymphocytesT cells originated

from thymus gland. They directly attack

foreign invaders. There are different

kinds of T cells. Each has a different function.

T CellsCytovic T Cells Helper T Cells

T cells that kill cells attack only one kind of infected cell or agent such as cancer cells, viruses, etc.

These T cells stimulate B cells

to produce antibodies.

T- Suppressor CellsThese shut off helper T

cells once enough antibodies produced.

B-LymphocytesThese B cells were

the first to be discovered.

They produce circulating antibodies.

Antibodies attacks antigens.

Each of the B cells produces only one kind of antibody.

Natural Killer Cells

Constantly patrolling the body for dangerous foreign cells.

When they find the threat, they attach & release toxic chemicals that destroy the invading cells.

The Immune Response Antigen---Antigen Presenting Cell ( APC)--- B

cell---Proliferate --- produce specific antibodies--- antigen/antibody complex----engulf ---kill--- cascade

Macrophages, B Cells, Pathogens, Antibody Immune Response

What are immune related diseases ?Common coldsAllergiesAsthmaRecurrent UTICandidaciesChronic fatigueHepatitisAIDSAutoimmune disease

Allergic ReactionDefinition: An abnormal reaction or sensitivity

to a harmless substance that does not bother most people and is usually hereditary

Mechanism:When an allergy-prone individual is

exposed to an antigen (foreign bodies perceived by the body’s defense system), his body reacts by producing antibodies

Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM, IgG

Reaction sequences: IgE- sensor IgM----IgG-----IgA IgD- co-expressed with IgM

Allergy Prevention1. Keep windows and doors closed. 2. Take a shower and shampoo your hair when you come in from outside. 3. Stay inside. Pollen.com provides pollen reports. 4. Avoid fans. 5. Make your bedrooms more friendly. 6. Avoid places where molds are. Visit the food resource at Oregon State University. 7. Wash bedding frequently. 8. Keep your house and lawn clean.9. Avoid irritants. 10. Avoid allergic sources: food, pollens, etc.

Cold vs. Flu

Symptoms Cold Flu

Fever Fever is rare.

Fever is usually present in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher.

CoughingA hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough.

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough.

AchesSlight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Stuffy Nose

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

ChillsChills are uncommon with a cold.

60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

TirednessTiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

SneezingSneezing is commonly present with a cold.

Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden SymptomsCold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours.

HeadacheA headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore ThroatSore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest DiscomfortChest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Flu PreventionThe best way is to get vaccinated as early as

possible.Flu is seasonal and unique each season.H1N1(swine) Flu is contagious and infects more

people.Wash your hands with soap and water for at least

20 seconds every time.Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or

cough with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve. Throw out used tissues.

Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Secret of Green TeaCatechin Polyphenols -epigallocatechin

gallate (EGCG)Is a powerful anti-oxidant.Inhibits the growth of cancer cells,

without harming normal tissue.Lowers LDL levels.Inhibits the abnormal formation of blood

clots. (thrombosis-cause of heart attacks and strokes)

Why Green Tea?

Green, oolong, black tea all come from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant.

Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized.

Oolong & black tea are made from fermented leaves.

EGCG is converted into other compounds that are not as effective in preventing and fighting disease.

Green Tea Effects on Immune System

L-theanine from tea reacts in the liver to create another chemical that is involved in the production of T cells. T cells are a large part of our bodies response mechanism to bacterial infection.

Both black and green tea contains L-theanine.

Drinking 5 cups/day could markedly improve your bodies response to infectious diseases.

Food & Your Immune System

Eating tasty food makes you feel good and boosts your immune system.

Research tests added flavoring to the food eaten by people in a retirement home.

Flavored food increased two important components of the immune system.

( IgG, and IgM)

Food Allergy Affects Behavior The behavior of some

children with allergies improves significantly when allergies are addressed.

If it’s suspected that a child has a food allergy, testing and changing eating habits could make a big difference.

Watch for a child’s behavior after eating chocolate. The caffeine and sugar can give some children more energy than they can handle.

Food Allergy Prevention

If you are allergic to eggs, do not receive seasonal flu or the H1N1 vaccine (made using chicken egg cells).

If you have food allergies and also have asthma, you may have serious complications if you get the flu.

Do not get flu shot while you are having symptoms.

Be cautious for children, seniors and people with weak immune systems.

Can I have acupuncture treatments even If I do not feel good?

Acupuncture can:Have a preventive

effectStrengthen your

body’s resistanceHelp fight pathogens

Why acupuncture can help?

The immune system contains receptors for endorphins & neuropeptides.

There are connections between the immune system and central nervous system.

The immune system responds to chemicals and secrets chemical messages.

The immune system has nerve cells which connect the brain to the spleen and other organs producing immune cells.

How can acupuncture strengthen the immune system?

Qi (vital energy) is the fundamental substance.

If Qi is strongly reinforced, then body resistance is strengthened.

Acupuncture promotes Qi and blood circulation, providing essential nutrition and oxygen to body parts and tissues.

The system can function normally and properly.

Stimulate the Immune System with Acupuncture

Acupuncture points: St 36, Li 4, Li 11, Gv. 14.Using tonify methods.Twice a week for 5 weeks,

then once a month for maintenance.Best combined with individualized formulas.

How to enhance my immune system with natural Chinese herbs?

Herbs are natural food.

Stimulate blood flow.Benefit metabolism

and endocrine system.

Individualized formula to fit body needs.

Enhance absorption of nutrients and minerals.

What are some common Chinese herbs effective for preventive care?

GinsengDang-KueiAstragalusSeek professional

help.Be aware the side

effects and contraindications.

Proper dosage and long term use side effects.

Immune Boosting Diet1. Yogurt2. Oats & barley3. Garlic4. Fish5. Chicken soup6. Green tea7. Lean beef8. Sweet potatoes9. Mushrooms

10. Citrus11. Red bell peppers12. Broccoli13. Ginger14. Spinach15. Almonds16. Turmeric17. Blueberries18. Pineapples

Herbal Prescription # 6Strengthen Capsule

Herbs Active compound

Activities

Ginseng Eleuthero Anti-inflammation

Jujube Ethyl-a-D Anti-allergy

Licorice Gilycyrrizin Anti-inflammation

Pueraria Puerarin Anti-febrile

Condonopsis

Pilosulae Anti-febrile Functions: Enhance the immune system by increasing producing antibody IgG level. These activities protect against invasion by pathogenic organisms and damage to the all important lymph system.

Indications: Immune system deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, weakness, weight loss, chronic non-healing sores.

Dosage: 2 times daily, two capsules each time.

Prevention by Acupressure

Acupuncture points:

Allergy - Li 4, Sinus headache - Bl 2

Asthma - Lung 7 Sneezing - Li 20

Fatigue - St 36 Itchiness - Li 11