Immune system support beyond winter: a year-round approach
When was the last time you thought about your immune system? For most people, immunity only becomes a priority during cold and flu season or when they're already fighting an illness. We stock up on vitamin C in winter, reach for the elderberry syrup when we feel a tickle in our throat, and then forget about immune health entirely once the threat seems to pass.
But what if I told you this approach is like only watering your garden during a drought?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we view immunity not as a reactive defense system but as a dynamic energy that requires constant cultivation. This protective energy—what we call “wei qi” (pronounced “way chee”) or defensive qi—circulates throughout your body every day of the year, serving as your first line of defense against not just pathogens but also environmental stressors, emotional challenges, and energetic imbalances.
The beauty of TCM lies in its understanding that true health isn't achieved through last-minute interventions but through consistent, mindful practices aligned with the natural rhythms of our bodies and the world around us. As the seasons shift, so do the requirements for maintaining robust wei qi. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities for strengthening your body's natural defenses.
In this post, we'll explore how to build resilient immunity through every season of the year, drawing on wisdom that has sustained health for thousands of years in Eastern medicine. You'll discover practical tools that extend far beyond simple immune “boosting” to create lasting vitality that carries you through life's inevitable changes.
Let's begin our journey toward immunity that doesn't just react to threats but actively and intelligently maintains balance throughout the year.
Key Systems That Support Immunity Year-Round
Digestive System (Spleen/Stomach)
The TCM digestive system does more than process food—it takes the food and drink we eat, digesting and transforming it into smaller, more bioavailable components. It sends some of this material up to the Lungs, which is known as “gu qi” or grain qi. When digestion weakens, so does your immunity. Signs of digestive imbalance include fatigue after eating, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and a tendency to worry.
Lung System
The Lungs take in “clear qi” from the atmosphere when we breath. The clear qi is a component of our defensive wei qi. They also control the dispersal of wei qi throughout your body. Known as the “tender organ” that connects your internal body with the external world, your lungs are particularly vulnerable to pathogens. Lung imbalances may manifest as frequent colds, allergies, skin issues, or difficulty breathing.
Kidney System
In TCM, your kidneys store your most fundamental energy—your essence or "jing." This essence provides the foundation for all other energies, including wei qi. They send up their “yuan qi” (which is the original qi you are born with) up to the Lungs to become wei qi. Kidney imbalances often appear as chronic fatigue, lower back pain, frequent urination, or feeling chronically cold.
Liver System
While not directly responsible for wei qi production, your liver ensures the smooth flow of qi throughout your body. When liver qi stagnates, it can create blockages that prevent wei qi from reaching certain areas, creating vulnerable points. Having a smooth flow of Liver qi allows us to face the various foreign pathogenic invaders who try to infiltrate our body’s defenses with ease. Liver imbalances typically manifest as irritability, tension, irregular menstruation, or digestive issues tied to emotions.
When we support these organ systems throughout the year with appropriate diet and lifestyle choices, they are able to function as optimally as possible to keep us healthy and full of vitality. Read on to see how we can support our immune system throughout each season of the year!
Seasonal Immune Support Strategies
Spring: Nurture the Liver
As nature reawakens, so does your liver energy. Support it by:
Incorporating slightly bitter greens like dandelion and arugula into meals
Practicing gentle stretching to release tension and promote qi flow
Avoiding excessive frustration, which can cause Liver qi to stagnate
Summer: Protect the Heart
During peak Yang time, balance activity with proper rest:
Stay hydrated with cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber
Incorporate moments of quiet reflection even on busy days
Protect yourself from excessive heat, which can deplete qi
Late Summer: Strengthen Digestion
The earth element time calls for digestive support:
Eat regular meals in a calm environment
Favor lightly cooked foods that are easier to digest
Incorporate small amounts of sweet flavors from whole foods like sweet potatoes
Fall: Nourish the Lungs
As dryness increases, protect your respiratory system:
Add moisture through foods like pears, honey, and white mushrooms (think lion’s mane)
Practice deep breathing exercises to strengthen Lung qi
Dress appropriately as temperatures fluctuate
Winter: Replenish the Kidneys
During the season of storage, focus on building reserves:
Include warming, nourishing foods like bone broths and root vegetables
Get adequate rest, especially during the longer nights
Protect your lower back and keep your feet warm
Practical TCM Tools for Immune Resilience
Acupressure Points
You can stimulate these points with gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes daily:
Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Located four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width outside the shinbone. This point is known as the "three-mile point" for its ability to give you energy to walk three more miles.
Large Intestine 4 (Hegu): Found in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This point helps move qi and strengthen defensive energy.
Kidney 27 (Shufu): Located in the depression below the collarbone, next to the breastbone. Stimulating this point helps strengthen lung and kidney qi.
Immune-Supporting Foods
Different foods support immunity in different ways:
Astragalus root: Add slices to soups and stews to tonify qi (remove before eating)
Shiitake mushrooms: Strengthen wei qi and provide vital minerals
Ginger: Warms the body and helps dispel pathogens
Garlic: Clears heat and toxins while providing antimicrobial support
Congee: A simple rice porridge that strengthens digestive qi when consumed regularly
Your Year-Round Immune Strategy
Remember that in TCM, prevention is the highest form of medicine. Small, consistent actions build stronger immunity than last-minute interventions when you're already feeling unwell. By aligning your self-care with seasonal rhythms and addressing the root systems that support your immune qi, you create resilience that serves you throughout the year.
If you'd like to develop a personalized immune support plan based on your unique constitution and current patterns, I invite you to schedule an appointment. Together, we'll assess your specific needs and create a strategy that strengthens your immune qi through every season.
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