I asked an Oriental medicine doctor how to increase immunity during seasonal changes.[일터 일침]

■ Kim Young-ik, Director of Ulsan Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital

Respiratory diseases are rampant due to rapid temperature changes and large daily temperature ranges.

In Oriental medicine, it helps to strengthen immunity by prescribing herbal medicine.

Inhibition of inflammatory response and fatigue recovery effect when combined with herbal acupuncture treatment

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Before we know it, the first snowfall has passed. Unlike previous years, the reality of the climate crisis is becoming more and more apparent these days as sub-zero temperatures arrive later. In Japan, unusual weather phenomena are evident, with the first snow on Mt. Fuji observed at the latest in 130 years and the first frost in Seoul also appearing nine days later than normal.

These climate changes are causing various social changes. What I feel the most as a medical staff member is that the prevalence of seasonal diseases changes or worsens. Due to rapidly changing temperatures, various health problems related to decreased immunity are being highlighted. Among them, respiratory diseases such as flu and colds are rampant. According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of patients suspected of having the flu in December last year was the highest in five years, and the number of patients with the common cold exceeded 4.5 million.

Allergic rhinitis also tends to occur in October and November, not September. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic disease that is affected by certain substances and causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. As the immune system weakens, symptoms tend to worsen. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, there were about 2,069,152 patients who visited medical institutions for allergic rhinitis in October and November 2021, but in the same period last year, the number was 2,798,818, an increase of about 35% in three years.

Such rapid temperature changes and daily temperature differences weaken our body’s defense system, increasing our vulnerability to various diseases. So, how can oriental medicine strengthen immunity?

The most convenient way for busy office workers to strengthen their immunity is to prescribe tonics. Tonics prescribed according to constitution and specific symptoms help improve immunity by reducing side effects, increasing insufficient energy, and supplying nutrients to the body. A representative example is ‘Gongjindan’, also called ‘Emperor’s herbal medicine’. Gongjindan, a combination of medicinal ingredients such as deer antler, musk, and cornelian cherry, is recorded in Donguibogam as ‘a medicine that strengthens innate vitality, harmonizes the five organs and prevents diseases.’ According to a paper by the research team at Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine, it was found to protect nerve cells and help prevent aging diseases by activating the longevity gene ‘Sirtuin 1’.

Gongjindan of Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital. Photo courtesy of Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital

Yukgongdan, which is a combination of Gongjindan and Yukmijihwang-tang, is also effective in increasing immunity. According to a research paper published by the Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine research team in the SCI(E) level international academic journal ‘Heliyon’, it was confirmed that Yukgongdan suppresses the death of immune cells and activates the immune response. In particular, the expression intensity of BCL-2 protein, which suppresses the death of immune cells, increased more than two-fold, and interleukin-10 (IL-10), which regulates inflammation levels and immune responses, increased approximately three-fold.

Herbal acupuncture treatment can also be combined with herbal medicine prescription. Herbal acupuncture is a treatment method that involves injecting herbal ingredients into acupuncture points. The advantage is that it shows a quick treatment effect. Among them, wild ginseng herbal acupuncture and Jahageo herbal acupuncture show effects such as improving immunity, recovering from fatigue, and suppressing inflammatory reactions.

As the climate crisis deepens, managing immunity during seasonal changes is becoming more important. How about protecting your health in the winter and welcoming the end of the year with energy through oriental medicine prescriptions tailored to your constitution and a balanced lifestyle?

Kim Young-ik, director of Ulsan Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital. Photo provided by Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital

**How ⁤does the article explain the connection between ‍climate ⁢change and the rising prevalence of respiratory‌ illnesses, ‍and what role ‌do‌ Oriental medicine practices ⁤play in addressing ​this issue?**

​ ## Interview: Boosting‌ Immunity in a ⁢Changing Climate with⁣ Oriental Medicine

**Host:** Welcome to World ⁣Today News. We’re joined today by two experts discussing the​ rising ‍prevalence of respiratory diseases and ‍how Oriental medicine can help strengthen our immunity. Our guests are **Dr. Kim Young-ik, Director of ‍Ulsan Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital,** and⁢ **Dr. Lee‍ Soo-jin, a ​leading immunologist.**

**Introduction:**

**Host:** Dr. Kim, the article ⁢mentions a‍ significant increase in respiratory diseases like flu and ‍colds. Can you ⁤elaborate on the connection ⁢between these trends and ⁢the changing climate?

**Dr. Kim:** Certainly. ‍We’re seeing rapid temperature‍ fluctuations ⁤and ⁣larger daily ⁣temperature ranges. These‌ unpredictable shifts weaken the body’s natural defenses, making us more susceptible to viruses and allergens.

**The Power of Tonics:**

**Host:** ⁤The article highlights the use‍ of ‍tonics⁢ in‌ Oriental‍ medicine ‍to boost immunity. ​Dr. Kim, could you explain how tonics address this⁣ issue and ​offer some specific ⁣examples?

**Dr. Kim:** Tonics are carefully crafted herbal formulas⁢ tailored to ⁢an individual’s ⁣constitution and specific symptoms.⁣ They aim to restore balance⁤ and enhance‍ the body’s natural defenses. For example, Gongjindan,‍ an iconic tonic mentioned in‌ the article, is known for its powerful immune-boosting properties and

anti-aging effects.

**Host:** Dr. Lee, from⁤ an immunological perspective, how do these⁢ herbal⁢ tonics strengthen the immune system?

**Dr. Lee:** There’s growing scientific evidence ‍supporting the efficacy of Oriental herbal medicine ⁣in ⁣modulating the⁢ immune response. Some herbs, like those‌ found in Gongjindan and Yukgongdan, have shown to stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance their activity, effectively bolstering our defenses against ‍pathogens.

**Beyond Tonics: ‌Herbal Acupuncture:**

**Host:** The article also​ mentions herbal acupuncture ⁤as a treatment option.‍ Can you elaborate on this ⁢technique and its potential benefits?

**Dr. Kim:** ⁢Herbal acupuncture involves injecting diluted herbal extracts into specific acupuncture points. This method‍ offers a more targeted‌ and potent treatment,‌ promoting quicker results. Wild ginseng and Jahageo herbal acupuncture are particularly effective in boosting immunity, combating fatigue, and reducing inflammation.

**Debate: ⁣Integrating Tradition and Modern Medicine:**

**Host:** Dr. ⁤Lee,⁣ some might be​ skeptical about the scientific basis ⁤of Oriental medicine. What are your thoughts on integrating these traditional practices with‌ modern medicine?

**Dr. Lee:** It’s crucial‍ to approach all forms of medicine with ‍scientific rigor and ⁣open-mindedness. While more research is always needed, there’s increasing ⁣evidence to support‌ the effectiveness and ⁣safety of many‌ Oriental ​medicine⁢ practices. Integrating the best of both worlds—traditional wisdom and ⁣modern scientific understanding—can lead to ⁤more holistic and effective healthcare.

**Closing:**

**Host:** Thank you both ⁢for sharing‍ your expertise. As ‌climate change continues to impact our health, ⁣incorporating practices like those discussed today can be invaluable in‍ supporting our‍ immunity and overall well-being.

**We encourage⁣ our viewers to consult with qualified‍ healthcare‌ professionals to explore the best ⁤personalized strategies for strengthening their immunity.

**