The three words on everyone's lips today are "Immunity."

The market is flooded with health supplements, vitamins, and antioxidant boosters. Yet, many people still catch a cold with every change of season, suffer from constant congestion or sore throats when stressed, and live in a state of chronic fatigue and "brain fog."

Long ago, in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provided a profound answer: "When the Zheng Qi is stored within, the Xie cannot interfere."

This ancient wisdom reveals the core of true immunity: genuine protection is not achieved through external supplements, but rather through the body's intrinsic, powerful defensive force—the Zheng Qi (Upright Qi).

The TCM View of Immunity: Three Core Pillars

Dr. Chen Hong-Ru, a TCM practitioner at Phoenix TCM, notes that immunity in Chinese medicine is closely tied to the body's vital forces: Zheng Qi (Upright Qi), Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), and Ying/Xue (Nutritive Qi and Blood). These forces are rooted in three essential organ systems:

When these three organs are imbalanced, immunity suffers, manifesting as frequent colds, allergies, chronic fatigue, and digestive issues.

Common Patterns of Immune Deficiency

Since "most people have a mixed constitution," Dr. Chen advises that personalized diagnosis (Bian Zheng) is crucial before starting any treatment. Common patterns of immune deficiency include:

1. Wei Qi Instability (Defensive Qi Deficiency): Aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, frequent colds, and clear runny nose.

2. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness: Poor appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, feeling heavy/sluggish, and excessive phlegm/allergies.

3. Qi and Yin Dual Deficiency: Dry mouth and throat, palpitations, insomnia, and fatigue upon exertion.

4. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Cold limbs and aversion to cold, chronic weakness, and slow recovery from illness.

5. Liver Qi Stagnation Transforming into Fire: Chest tightness, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth, recurring allergies, and poor sleep.

Three Strategies for Cultivating Zheng Qi

To build genuine, lasting immunity, TCM focuses on a holistic approach:

1. Targeted Herbal Therapy (Bian Zheng Diagnosis)

Herbal formulas aim to support the body's natural defenses, such as:

• Strengthening Surface Immunity: Using herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Dang Shen (Codonopsis).

• Fortifying Spleen and Removing Dampness: Using Fu Ling (Poria) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes).

• Boosting Qi and Nourishing Yin: Using Ren Shen (Ginseng), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra).

• Warming Kidney and Supporting Yang: Using Fu Zi (Aconite) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark).

Note: Herbal formulas must be precisely tailored based on the individual's tongue, pulse, and symptoms.

2. Lifestyle Integration

• Diet: Avoid iced beverages and refined sugars. Start your day with warm, easily digestible whole foods like Yam or Millet porridge.

• Exercise: Aim for 6,000–8,000 steps daily combined with 20 minutes of brisk walking or gentle movements like the Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades).

• Sleep: Go to bed before 11:00 PM to utilize the "golden hour" for meridian and organ repair.

3. Daily Self-Care

Simple daily practices can enhance your constitution, such as acupressure massage on the Zusanli (ST-36) and Hegu (LI-4) points, or seasonal health drinks like Sheng Mai Yin.

Case Study: Rebuilding Resilience

Ms. Lin, 40, had chronic fatigue and suffered a cold almost every month, often accompanied by abdominal bloating. After two months of personalized TCM treatment:

✔ Her frequency of colds significantly dropped.

✔ Abdominal bloating resolved, and energy levels dramatically increased.

✔ Morning clarity and work focus returned to normal.

As she shared, "True immunity isn't about never getting sick; it's about being able to recover quickly when you do."

Immunity is not an overnight fix, nor is it solved by a single pill. From the ancient wisdom of the Huangdi Neijing to modern TCM diagnosis and integrated care, the answer remains the same: Nourish your Zheng Qi. When the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney are coordinated, and the vital forces are in balance, your body can defend itself naturally and powerfully.