Fight Off Flu-like Illnesses with 5 Immunity-Boosting Tips from TMU Hospital’s TCM Department

Dr. Su Po-Hsuan, physician in Taipei Medical University Hospital’s Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), indicates that the immune system is the body’s first-line defense against external invaders, but various factors can weaken it. To enhance immunity, Dr. Su suggests integrating TCM principles with modern medical treatments, providing a comprehensive approach to health and disease prevention.

Dr. Su points out that many daily habits and health conditions can compromise immune function. Irregular sleep patterns, poor diet, overconsumption of cold or fatty foods, high stress levels, and chronic exhaustion all contribute to a weakened immune system. Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney disorders, as well as prolonged use of immunosuppressants and hormonal medications, can make individuals more vulnerable to infections.

Viewed from a TCM perspective, the immune system can be strengthened by adjusting the body’s qi (energy) & blood circulation, yin & yang balance, and the functions of key organs like the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Strengthening these internal systems, alongside lifestyle adjustments, is essential for preventing illness.

5 Key Strategies to Strengthen Immunity

1. Improving spleen & stomach functions:
According to TCM, the spleen plays a fundamental role in maintaining overall health, as it helps produce qi and blood to sustain immune function. A well-balanced digestive system supports overall resilience. Including warming, nourishing foods such as Chinese yam, jujubes, dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula), baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) in daily meals can enhance spleen function, while avoiding excessive consumption of raw, cold, and greasy foods helps prevent digestive strain.

2. Nurturing the lungs & fortifying surface mechanisms:
   Influenza-like illnesses are prevalent in cold seasons, which is in fact a challenge for the lungs and surface-level immunological mechanisms. Therefore, herbs that help enhance qi in the lungs, such as ginseng root, huangqi (Astragalus mongholicus rhizome), fangfeng (Saposhnikovia divaricata), etc. are recommended.
   3. Strengthening kidney yin & kidney yang:
   The kidneys are the foundation of a person’s endowed life, and play a critical role in the immune system, too. Supporting kidney function through the intake of roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola), tusizi (Cuscuta australis seeds), goji (Chinese wolfberry), black sesame can help regulate energy balance and enhance overall immunity.
   4. Being in a good mood:
   Emotional fluctuations can affect internal organ functions, causing liver qi stagnation and thus affecting immunity. Therefore, maintaining emotional stability and reducing anxiety and stress is very helpful for the immune system. Appropriate intake of herbs that can smooth the qi of liver such as chaihu (Bupleurum chinense root) or xiangfu (Cyperus rotundus rhizome), or drinking rose tea, will be good for immunity enhancement.
3. Trying TCM acupoint herbal patching therapy:
   In addition to Chinese herbal medicines, acupoint herbal patching therapy is a TCM technique that stimulates the body’s energy flow. By applying warming herbal preparations to specific acupoints during seasonal transitions, this method can help regulate immunity, expel cold, and strengthen the body’s defenses.

Dr. Su highlights that with modern lifestyles and frequent international interactions, the spread of influenza and other infections has accelerated. To effectively combat seasonal illnesses, he recommends a holistic approach that combines TCM practices with good hygiene, frequent handwashing, proper air circulation, and adequate sleep.