Strengthening Immunity with Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), immunity is not just about fighting off colds and flu, it’s about maintaining balance, resilience, and a strong energetic boundary that protects body and mind. This protective energy is called Wei Qi, and it surrounds us like a shield, just like the glowing Ready Brek adverts from the 70s.

Wei Qi is built from the food we eat and the air we breathe, combined with our inherited energy. If digestion is sluggish or breathing is shallow, our immunity weakens. When both are strong, our body creates a radiant protective force field.

In this blog, I’ll share three simple ways to strengthen immunity every day, through food medicine, acupressure, and Qigong, so you can support your health naturally.

Food Medicine for Immunity

The immune system in TCM belongs to the Metal element, governed by the Lung and Large Intestine. These organs thrive on the pungent flavour and are nourished by white foods.  (See my books for full 5 element outline of which foods for which organs)

Pungent Foods: Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and chilli. These help disperse phlegm, open the lungs, and push pathogens out of the body.

White Foods: Mushrooms (especially shiitake and reishi), radish, cauliflower, and pears all support the Lung and Large Intestine.

Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso restore the microbiome of the gut, where 70% of immunity resides.

Balance tip: Too much dairy, sugar, or refined carbs weakens the Spleen, creating dampness that suppresses immunity.

If you crave sweets, try a squeeze of lemon or a little sauerkraut, the sour flavour balances sugar cravings and helps keep the Spleen strong.

👉 Try this warming tea: simmer sliced ginger, lemon, cinnamon, and turmeric with water. It clears the lungs, supports digestion, and boosts Wei Qi. https://joannefaulkner.ie/2020/03/26/store-cupboard-tea-for-immunity/

Acupressure for Immunity: Spotlight on Lung 1

One of the most powerful acupressure points for immunity is Lung 1 (Zhongfu – Central Treasury).

Location

Find your collarbone and trace outward to the outer chest near the shoulder.

About three finger-widths below the collarbone, in the small hollow before the upper arm muscle, you’ll find Lung 1.

Benefits in TCM

• Opens the chest: Helps release congestion, phlegm, or shallow breathing.
  
• Regulates Lung Qi: Supports immune function by strengthening Wei Qi.
  
• Releases grief: The Lung is associated with sadness and letting go. Massaging Lung 1 can help process emotional heaviness.
  
• Relieves pain: Useful for tight shoulders, chest heaviness, or difficulty taking a deep breath.

How to Use It

• Gently massage or press into Lung 1 for 30–60 seconds while breathing slowly and deeply.

• If the point feels tender, that’s a sign your lungs may be under strain—keep massaging until it eases.

For extra benefit, place your hand in a “crane’s beak” shape (fingers together touching the thumb) and circle your elbows forward and back. This combines acupressure with movement, encouraging Qi to flow freely.

Qigong for Immunity

Qigong combines movement, breath, and intention to circulate energy. A simple exercise for the lungs and immune system is:

• Form “crane’s beaks” with your hands.

• Place them so that they are tapping into Lung 1 on each side of the chest.

• Gently circle the elbows forward and back, opening the chest.

• Breathe in through the nose, drawing breath deep into the lower lungs; breathe out, softening the shoulders.

This movement clears congestion, releases emotional heaviness, and strengthens the protective Wei Qi boundary.

Emotional Balance & Immunity

In TCM, the emotion linked with the Lung is grief. Prolonged sadness constricts breathing and lowers immunity. Practices like singing, humming, or even chanting vibrate the chest, stimulate the vagus nerve, and release stuck emotion, helping the lungs expand again.

When you feel low, bring awareness to your breath. Open the chest, massage Lung 1, and let Qi flow again.

WATCH THE PODCAST

In the full podcast, we explore how you can use reflective listening to transform your relationships, whether with a partner, family member, or friend. 

Join Us This Month in Chi Flow with Jo to Build Your Immunity

Chinese medicine doctors were traditionally paid to keep people well, not to treat illness once it arrived. That’s also the philosophy behind Chi Flow with Jo.

Through daily Qigong practice, food medicine recipes, and acupressure routines, we create a strong immune system that protects us physically and emotionally.

✨ If you’d like to strengthen your immunity, balance your energy, and feel supported by a vibrant community, join us in Chi Flow with Jo. Doors are open now, and we’d love to welcome you.

💗 Ready to Join?

Click here to become a member of Chi Flow with Jo → CLICK HERE

Or drop in for a class and feel it for yourself (sign up below).

Join the Chi Flow with Jo community for live sessions, practice, and support on your journey to an emotionally healthy heart and attend Maya’s live talk for FREE.
To work with Maya visit https://mayabenharroch.com/

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.  The information provided should not be considered medical advice.