That time of year has come again. The unpredictable weather changes in the Midwest make it easier than ever for us to catch a cold or get sick. When illness strikes, our first instinct is often to grab over-the-counter medications or visit a doctor for a quick fix. However, more and more people are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a natural, holistic way to combat illness and promote overall health. With thousands of years of history, TCM offers a unique perspective on wellness that emphasizes balance, prevention and the body’s ability to heal itself.

At the heart of Asian medicine is the concept of Qi, the vital energy that flows through our bodies. According to TCM, health is the result of a harmonious flow of Qi, while illness occurs when this energy becomes blocked or imbalanced. To restore balance and boost immunity, TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques, including acupuncture, herbal remedies and dietary therapy.

One of the most common ways TCM helps fight sickness is through herbal remedies. While Asian herbs may sound unfamiliar or even unconventional to some, many of them are common plants, like dandelion and cinnamon bark. These herbs have been used for centuries to treat everything from the common cold to chronic conditions. In TCM, herbs are often blended into customized formulas tailored to an individual’s specific symptoms and constitution. For example, Gan Mao Ling is a classic remedy for colds and flu that helps expel pathogens, reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM and can be a powerful ally in combating seasonal sickness by boosting the body’s immune response and promoting balance. When you feel the first signs of illness, acupuncture helps stimulate specific points on the body to strengthen the flow of Qi, enhance circulation and support the immune system. This early intervention can expel pathogens before they penetrate deeper, preventing more serious illness. By addressing underlying imbalances in the body, acupuncture not only helps fight off seasonal colds and flu but also strengthens the body’s ability to defend against future sicknesses.

In addition to herbs and acupuncture, TCM emphasizes dietary therapy as a vital part of recovery. A key difference between Eastern and Western approaches to nutrition is that TCM focuses not just on the nutrients in food, but on the properties of foods—whether they are “warm” or “cool”—and how they align with the body’s needs. For instance, warming foods like ginger and garlic are often recommended to help strengthen the immune system, while cooling foods like cucumbers might be suggested to balance excess heat in the body. By focusing on the properties of food, Asian medicine helps to ensure that your body gets the right kinds of nourishment to restore balance and kick sickness to the curb.

Beyond treating illness, Asian medicine emphasizes preventive care. This might include lifestyle recommendations like practicing Tai Chi or Qi Gong to promote overall vitality and strengthen the body’s defenses. By incorporating both physical and dietary practices into daily life, TCM helps build a foundation for long-term health and well-being.

As more people seek alternatives to conventional medicine, Eastern medicine offers a valuable and holistic tool in the battle against sickness. By focusing on balance, prevention, and the body’s natural ability to heal itself, TCM provides an effective way to support the immune system, recover from illness, and promote overall health. Whether through acupuncture, herbal remedies, or diet, TCM helps to restore harmony and support the body’s natural defenses.

Learn more about the expansive herbal dispensary and other facilities at National University of Health Sciences here.