Can acupuncture and herbal remedies boost your immune system?

With each change of season and especially through autumn and winter, many people become more conscious of their immune health. Coughs, colds, fatigue, and flare-ups of long-standing conditions often become more common. While supplements and over-the-counter remedies are widely used, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a more individualised, preventative approach.

At her clinic in Lincolnshire, Alison Seymour supports clients with acupuncture and herbal medicine designed to strengthen the immune system gently and naturally. By working with the body rather than forcing it, these treatments help to restore balance, prevent illness, and build resilience over time.

What does Chinese medicine say about immunity?

In TCM, the immune system is connected to what’s called Wei Qi – your body’s protective energy. Wei Qi flows at the surface of the body, guarding against external pathogens such as cold, wind, and damp. When Wei Qi is strong and circulating well, we are more resistant to illness. When it’s weak or disrupted, we become more vulnerable to infections and slower to recover.

Other key players in immune health include the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys, each responsible for aspects of breathing, digestion, fluid balance, and vitality. The goal of Chinese medicine is not to “boost” the immune system in the way we might typically think, but to support and regulate it.

“When your body is in balance, immunity is not something you have to chase – it’s something you naturally maintain.”

Alison Seymour, acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioner, Lincolnshire

How acupuncture supports immunity

Acupuncture works by regulating Qi, calming inflammation, and supporting the organs involved in immune function. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and restore internal harmony.

Clients often come to Alison in Lincolnshire for support during times of change, the shift into autumn, post-viral fatigue, or chronic immune conditions. Treatment plans are always tailored to the individual, with the aim of addressing not just symptoms, but the root imbalances that allowed illness to take hold in the first place.

Acupuncture can also be helpful for managing auto-immune conditions by calming overactive responses and bringing the immune system into a more balanced state.

The role of herbal medicine

Chinese herbs are often used alongside acupuncture to strengthen Wei Qi and nourish the organ systems. Some herbs are used to expel pathogens, others to rebuild energy after illness or support fluid balance to clear lingering dampness or phlegm.

Alison prescribes custom formulas depending on your constitution, medical history, and current symptoms. This bespoke approach avoids one-size-fits-all remedies and ensures a deeper, more sustainable outcome.

Herbs can be especially useful for:

• Repeated colds or sinus infections

• Lingering fatigue after illness

• Chronic cough or phlegm

• Low immunity during times of stress

Looking after yourself year-round

Immunity isn’t just about what we take – it’s also about how we live. In her lifestyle consultations, Alison helps clients make small but powerful adjustments to diet, sleep, rest, and movement, all of which influence immune function.

At Eight Branches, immune support is always part of the bigger picture. Whether you’re hoping to prevent illness, recover more quickly, or feel more resilient overall, the goal is to meet the body where it is and work with it, not against it.

Support your immune system naturally

If you’re looking for a more balanced, personalised approach to immune health, Alison Seymour offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic guidance to help you feel stronger from the inside out.

Book a consultation or get in touch to find out how traditional therapies can support your health – not just this winter, but for every season.