TCM Basics 101: What exactly is Immunity – TCM way?
We are in this period of time where everyone talks about boosting of immunity against the virus.
So what is Immunity?
Because I am a Biomedical graduate, I will need to give you the scientific aspects of things first, to let you see things in a conventional accepted way.
According to Wikipedia, “immunity is the balanced state of multicellular organisms having adequate biological defenses to fight infection, disease or other unwanted biological invasion, while having adequate tolerance to avoid allergy and autoimmune disease.”
From what I read, this definition is just talking about the desired effect from immunity. But it DIDN’T talk about what is immunity exactly from the body, what organ takes care of it, what system is responsible for it. Further research shows that it is bone marrow cells, lymphatic cells, antibodies etc but those are very cellular based and conceptual. We still cannot understand how we can boost immunity from the core of it. But let me show you how TCM talks about immunity and you will understand why we have to do the things we need to do to boost it.
Qi 气
The crux of TCM is simply based on energy or Qi, also known as Life Force. To complicate things but for explanations of further philosophies, Qi is divided into at least 4 to 6 kinds in TCM concepts. Naming a few, there are Yuan Qi (元气), Gu Qi （谷气）, Zong Qi （宗气）, Zhen Qi （真气）, Zhong Qi （中气）, Zheng Qi （正气）, Ying Qi (营气)， Wei Qi (卫气).
Now for Immunity, we just have to put our focus on mainly Ying Qi and Wei Qi.
Ying Qi 营气
Ying Qi is also known as Nutritive Qi which nourishes the internal organs and the whole body. It is closely related to Blood and flows with Blood in the vessels and meridian channels. It is the Qi of the Yin side in blood vessels and meridian channels.
Nutritive Qi as its name implies come from nutrients, which is food.
Wei Qi 卫气
Wei Qi is also known as Protective Qi is the Qi of the Yang side in blood vessels and meridian channels. It is primarily on the exterior (skin and muscles) to protect the body from attack by exogenous (coming from outside) pathogenic influences.
Wei Qi is controlled by the Lungs, which regulates its circulation to the skin.
Now because Ying Qi and Wei Qi circulate in the whole body in channels and vessels, one of their purpose will be to guard the body against external pathogens, in other words, for immunity.
Reason for Eat Well and Regular Exercise for Immunity Boost
And as you can see Ying Qi comes from food, it is hence necessary to eat healthily and fresh foods to produce more of Ying Qi to flow in the vessels and channels. Herbs concocted to nourish more of Ying Qi and Wei Qi can be taken to boost the two kinds of Qi in the body.
And for Wei Qi which is controlled by Lungs, to ensure its coverage to be extensive to the whole body and not depleted at some parts due to blockages or poor flow, it is hence important to exercise regularly to keep the Lungs functioning well.
So everyone, take care, stay strong, be well!
Further reading:
Everything you need to know about Acupuncture
Men’s Health Series: Which is the Better Way to Treat Prostatitis - TCM or Western Medicine?
How do Acupuncture and Acupressure work and which is the Better One
Everything you need to know about Dampness
It is not normal to have cysts and fibroids
Why Everything Cold is Discouraged during Menstruation
Men’s Health: Low libido equals low testosterone?
