It’s happening. The kids have barely been back in school for two months, and already the bugs are flying—stomach flu, the common cold, and more. And it’s only October!
But don’t panic—there’s still time to strengthen your immune system and stay ahead of seasonal illnesses. In fact, by making a few smart shifts in your diet and lifestyle, you may be able to reduce or avoid getting sick altogether.
How Chinese Medicine Views Immunity
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), immunity is closely tied to digestion. The stronger your digestion, the more Qi (energy) your body can produce—and Qi is the foundation of a strong immune system.
Your food choices play a direct role in how much Qi you generate. Some foods support immunity, while others drain it. Below are a few of our favorite immune-boosting foods and tips to help you stay healthy all season long.
1. 🍄 Mushrooms: The Ultimate Qi Superfood
Mushrooms are considered powerful Qi tonics in Chinese medicine. Different species offer different benefits, but all help enhance your body’s resilience.
👉 Try to incorporate mushrooms into your meals at least once a day—think soups, stir-fries, or even mushroom teas.
2. 🍐 Pears: Nourish the Lung Yin
In TCM, the lungs are the first line of defense against airborne pathogens. Pears help nourish the lung yin, keeping the respiratory system moist and protected.
👉 Eat fresh pears or gently steam them with a touch of honey for a soothing fall treat.
3. 🍲 Miso Soup: Your Cold-Fighting Ally
A classic combo of fermented tofu, seaweed, and scallions, miso soup is more than comfort food—it’s medicine.
Drink miso soup at the first sign of a cold (slight chills, throat tickle, fatigue).
👉 Load it up with scallions, which help expel pathogens from the body.
4. 🍠 Cooked > Raw
Your digestion works best in warm, dry conditions. Cooked vegetables are easier to digest and help the body produce Qi more efficiently.
👉 Swap raw salads for roasted, sautéed, or steamed veggies during cold months.
5. 🚫 Cut the Sugar & Processed Foods
These are hard on your digestion and drain your Qi—especially if your system is already vulnerable.
👉 Reducing or eliminating sugar and processed foods can significantly improve your immunity and energy levels.
Already Feeling Sick? We Can Help!
If you’re already under the weather, don’t wait it out. At Acupuncture Healthcare Associates, we stock herbal formulas designed to boost immunity and relieve symptoms quickly—especially when taken at the very first signs of illness.
👉 Book a session or stop by to learn more about personalized herbal support.
Stay Strong This Season
A little preventative care goes a long way. With the right foods, daily habits, and support from Chinese medicine, you can build a resilient immune system that carries you through cold and flu season with ease.
Stay warm, eat well, and take care!
Came upon your website, and i find it very fastinating!! I have (in the past) read some literature on TCM, but did not apply it myself. I am very very interested in applying TCM , to help better improve my health, can you help me? Is there a book i can read, or talk to someone, to help? I would appreciate your assistance. Thank you. lori