Winter Acupuncture Calgary - Boost Your Immunity Against Colds

From UK Winters to Calgary Cold: My Journey to Understanding Immunity

When I first moved to Calgary four years ago, I had no idea how transformative the winters would be—both for my health and my practice. My husband, originally from Alberta, promised we’d time our move from the UK with the warm season to ease my transition. But life had other plans. I found myself boarding a plane from London to Calgary in December 2021, stepping into a winter unlike anything I’d experienced before. Little did I know I would need winter acupuncture in Calgary to help me get through the long season.

The air felt so dry it almost crackled. Within days, I was battling nosebleeds, headaches, and constant sinus dryness despite running humidifiers in every room. Worse still, I caught every cold circulating through the city—completely foreign to me, as I was the person in the UK who never got sick.

That first Calgary winter taught me that seasonal adaptation is a skill, and our bodies need real support facing such intense climate shifts. As an acupuncturist in Bridgeland, I turned to what I know best for balance and recovery. Acupuncture became my greatest ally in restoring vitality, defending against recurrent colds, and bringing harmony back to my system.

Understanding Wei Qi: Your Body’s Invisible Shield

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy powering every function in your body. It flows through invisible pathways called meridians, nourishing and connecting every part of your system.

For winter wellness and immunity, one type matters most: Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”), also known as Defensive Qi.

Think of Wei Qi as your body’s invisible protective shield. It circulates in the outer layers between your skin and muscles, acting as your first line of defence against cold, wind, viruses, and bacteria. When your Wei Qi is strong, you’re that person who “never gets sick.” When it’s weak or depleted—from stress, poor sleep, harsh Calgary winters, or nutritional deficiencies—you become vulnerable to every bug going around.

Wei Qi is produced through a collaboration of three organ systems:

The Kidneys provide your foundational energy reserves
The Spleen and Stomach transform food into usable Qi
The Lungs spread Wei Qi to your body’s surface, creating that protective barrier

This is why the Lungs are so intimately connected with immunity in TCM. When Lung Qi is balanced, Wei Qi flows strong. But when the Lungs are weakened—whether from Calgary’s dry air, pollution, grief, or chronic respiratory issues—your defensive shield weakens, leaving you prone to frequent colds and flu.

Looking back at my first winter, I was checking all the boxes for depleted Wei Qi: jet lag, stress from a major life transition, and extreme climate shock. No wonder I kept getting sick.

The good news? Wei Qi can be strengthened through acupuncture. By stimulating specific points on meridians related to the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys, acupuncture helps restore and fortify your body’s natural defences.

Key Winter Acupuncture Points for Winter Immunity in Calgary

In my Bridgeland practice, I use powerful acupuncture points that consistently strengthen immunity and defend against winter colds and flu. Here are four essential points I rely on throughout cold season:

ST36 (Zusanli) – “Leg Three Miles”

Located four finger-widths below your kneecap, just outside the shinbone, ST36 is often called the “vitality point.” Ancient travellers would stimulate this point when exhausted to gain enough energy to walk three more miles. Research shows ST36 enhances immunity by improving digestive health and nutrient absorption, which directly supports Wei Qi production. Studies have found that electroacupuncture at ST36 modulates inflammation and enhances immune function through specific neural pathways.

LI4 (Hegu) – “Joining Valley”

Found in the fleshy webbing between your thumb and index finger, LI4 is one of the most powerful points in all of acupuncture. It’s renowned for regulating defensive Qi and adjusting sweating—essential for fighting off illness. Research indicates that stimulating LI4 enhances immune cell responses by promoting the release of immune-modulating hormones. Clinically, it’s incredibly effective for headaches, sinus congestion, sore throat, and early-stage cold and flu symptoms. Important note: LI4 should not be used during pregnancy.

LU7 (Lieque) – “Broken Sequence”

Located about 1.5 inches above your wrist on the thumb side of your forearm, LU7 is valued for its ability to clear lung congestion like a lightning storm clears a cloudy sky. As a Lung meridian point, LU7 stimulates Lung Qi to descend and diffuse properly while enhancing Defensive Qi flow where pathogens first invade. It’s incredibly effective for relieving nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and headaches—often the earliest cold symptoms.

BL13 (Feishu) – “Lung Shu Point”

Located on your upper back between your shoulder blades, BL13 is the Back-Shu point of the Lungs with a direct energetic connection to the organ. Research shows that stimulating BL13 regulates cytokine signalling. It enhances anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-4 and IL-13), which are crucial for mitigating inflammatory responses. These actions help in increasing immunity. This point tonifies Lung Qi, strengthens respiratory function, and fortifies Wei Qi before illness strikes—especially valuable for those prone to recurrent colds or chronic cough.

When these points are used together in a treatment protocol, they create a comprehensive immune-boosting effect. This strengthens your body’s natural defences against seasonal illness.

Chinese Herbs & Foods That Fortify Winter Immunity

Powerful Immune-Supporting Herbs

Astragalus (Huang Qi) – This adaptogenic root has been used for over 2,000 years. Huang Qi stimulates white blood cell production. It enhances T-cell and natural killer cell activity. It also tonifies both Lung Qi and Spleen Qi. Add slices to soups and broths, or consult your acupuncturist for a personalized formula.

Ginseng (Ren Shen) – One of the most powerful herbs in TCM, Panax ginseng strengthens Qi, boosts stamina, and enhances immunity. Research shows ginseng maintains immune system homeostasis, increases white blood cell counts, and enhances resistance to illness.

Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) – These bright red berries tonify Yin, Blood, and Qi. They nourish the Liver, Kidneys, and Lungs. Rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting polysaccharides, they enhance immune cell function and protect against infections.

Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi) – Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi activates key immune cells like macrophages, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes while reducing inflammation.

Winter Foods to Nourish Your Immune System

Citrus Fruits – Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, critical for producing white blood cells. While vitamin C cannot prevent colds entirely, it can reduce duration and severity of illness. Fresh citrus is readily available year-round in Calgary.

Almonds (Xing Ren) – In TCM, almonds moisten the lungs and support respiratory health. They’re rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, supporting overall immune function during cold months.

Ginger (Sheng Jiang) – Fresh ginger provides potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Its warming nature helps dispel internal cold and enhance circulation. Fresh ginger tea with honey and lemon is a classic immune-supporting elixir perfect for Calgary winters.

Bone Broth – Simmered for 24+ hours, bone broth releases collagen, gelatin, and minerals that nourish deep reserves of Qi and Blood. It supports digestion and promotes healthy immune function by providing raw materials your body needs to produce white blood cells.

Your Calgary Winter Immunity Protocol

Based on my clinical experience with Bridgeland and Calgary clients, I recommend a strategic, preventative approach that begins before intense cold and flu season hits.

When to Start: October & November

Begin immunity-focused acupuncture treatments in late October through early November—before peak respiratory virus season (typically December through March in Alberta). Starting early gives your body time to build Wei Qi reserves while you’re still healthy. Think of it as preventative maintenance rather than emergency repair.

Recommended Treatment Frequency

Maintenance phase (October-November): 1 treatment per week for 4 weeks to establish strong Wei Qi reserves
Peak season (December-February): 1 treatment every 2-3 weeks to maintain immunity
Spring transition (March onwards): 1 treatment monthly as a seasonal tune-up

Most clients notice improved energy, better sleep, and fewer sick days within the first 3-4 treatments. By January, most patients who started in October have dramatically fewer colds compared to previous winters.

If You’re Already Sick

If you catch something mid-season, acupuncture at the first sign of symptoms (scratchy throat, fatigue, body aches) combined with LI4 and LU7 stimulation can reduce symptom duration and severity. However, prevention is always more effective.

The most powerful approach combines acupuncture with the herbs and foods discussed earlier—creating a comprehensive immunity strategy that supports Wei Qi from multiple angles.

Ready to Strengthen Your Immunity This Winter?

Four years ago, I arrived in Calgary unprepared for the climate shock that would test my body and health. That harsh first winter taught me that seasonal adaptation requires intention, preparation, and the right support.

Now, every autumn, I help clients in Bridgeland and across Calgary build the strong Wei Qi defences they need to sail through winter feeling vibrant, energized, and resilient.

You don’t have to spend this winter catching every cold and flu that circulates through the city. Whether you’re new to Calgary or simply tired of being sick every season, acupuncture combined with TCM herbs and nourishing foods can transform your winter health.

Ready to boost your immunity before cold and flu season hits?

Book your Winter Acupuncture Calgary Consultation today.

During your first session, I’ll assess your current immune health, identify any underlying imbalances affecting your Wei Qi, and create a personalized acupuncture protocol tailored to your unique needs. We’ll discuss which herbs and foods will serve you best, plus simple daily practices to strengthen your defences starting immediately.

Your strong, resilient immune system is waiting on the other side of this winter. Let’s build it together with winter acupuncture in Calgary at my Bridgeland practice—because you deserve to thrive, not just survive, through another Calgary winter.

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