Drop in Seasonal-Change Immunity — Why Do We Get Sick So Easily Right Now?
Table of Contents
The colds and fatigue that return every seasonal change
During the spring and autumn seasonal changes, daytime-to-nighttime temperature gaps of more than 10°C disrupt the body's homeostasis. Energy is spent on temperature regulation, immune cell activity drops, and many people find that colds, rhinitis, and indigestion all arrive at once.
How Korean medicine views seasonal-change immunity
Korean medicine sees seasonal-change immunity drops as a shortage of wi-gi (衛氣). Wi-gi is the defensive energy that protects the skin and mucous membranes; when sleep loss, overwork, and irregular meals stack up, wi-gi weakens and the body becomes vulnerable to external pathogens (邪氣).
- Tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen (補氣健脾): Improves spleen-and-stomach function so the body produces more qi
- Boosting wi-gi and securing the surface (益衛固表): Formulas based on Okbyeongpung-san (Yupingfeng-san) reinforce the skin's defensive layer
- Acupuncture: Stimulates points such as Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4), and Feishu (BL13) to modulate the immune response
The link between immunity and gut health
About 70% of immune cells are located in the gut. Korean medicine has long held that a healthy spleen-and-stomach (脾胃) makes wi-gi abundant. This is why people with weak digestion catch every minor illness during seasonal changes. Restoring gut function while reinforcing immunity at the same time is the core of Korean medicine seasonal-change care.
Lifestyle care points
- Keep your neck and abdomen warm during seasonal changes
- Cut down on cold and raw foods, and prioritize warm meals
- Make sure to get 7+ hours of sleep — it's the foundation of immune maintenance