Hypoimmunity

Overview

Immunology is a study of about how the body identifies foreign bodies and reacts to them. In essence, it is the study of the body’s self-defense mechanisms. The word “immunology” came from Latin “immunis”, which was originally a law concept, and means “not subject to an obligation imposed on others”; e.g. immune from taxation. At first, immunology concentrated on studying anti-infection aspects only, which belonged to a branch of microbiology. In the 1960’s, the rapid advancement of immunology expanded to include non-infectious aspects, such as autoimmune, allergy and immunodeficiency, consequently, it became an individual science.

According to modern theory, the body depends on the immune system to fight against various infections from bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites. It also clears up harmful materials inside our own body. The whole process can be understood as self-discrimination and elimination of foreign bodies in an attempt to create an internal equilibrium and provide physiological protection for the body. Thus, when the immune system is normal, health can be maintained. On the other hand, when the immune system is malfunctioning, disharmony will occur and give rise to illness. The above functions are carried out by an integrated body system, which includes organs (thymus, spleen and lymph nodes), tissues (skin and mucosal layers), cells (lymph cells and macrophages) and cell products (immunoglobulin, antibodies and complement).

Theory

​Chinese Medicine considers that the immune system (named “Wei Qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine) is strongly associated with the function of the internal organs, mainly the Lungs and Spleen. If these organs are well-balanced they will support the immune system (Wei Qi) and strengthen its function, which will prevent you from being easily affected by external pathogenic factors (colds, flu and other infectious or microbial diseases). For example, a group of people share a meal and some get sick, while others are more resistant; or some teachers say that when the children get the flu they will also get it. In these examples, those who get sick have lowered immunity or are deficient in Wei Qi.

Treatment

​The treatment may include, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, scrubbing or meridian massage.