Keep Your Immune System Strong This Halloween with Acupuncture

As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, there’s a definite chill in the air across Brixton, Clapham, Herne Hill and the rest of South London. Coats, scarves and gloves are back out of the cupboard, the smell of wood smoke is in the air, and the first sniffles of the season are making their rounds. But before you resign yourself to months of tissues and lemsip, this might just be the perfect time to give your immune system a little helping hand — and we’ve got just the person to help.

We’re delighted to welcome Alice Brooke, our new acupuncturist at Brixton Therapy Centre! Alice has a special interest in supporting clients through the change of seasons — helping boost immunity, ease those lingering autumn colds, and promote a sense of balance and wellbeing that can make all the difference as winter settles in.

And because it’s Halloween, we’ve got a little treat for you: 15% off for all clients booking with Alice this month. No tricks, we promise — just a chance to feel your best through the colder months ahead. Why Autumn and Winter Can Be Tough on Our Health

If you’ve ever wondered why we seem to catch more bugs once the weather turns, there’s a simple reason. As temperatures drop, we tend to spend more time indoors with the windows shut and the heating on, often surrounded by other people doing the same. Viruses love that kind of environment. On top of that, our bodies have to work harder to keep warm and our immune systems can become a little sluggish.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which forms the foundation of acupuncture, has long recognised this seasonal pattern. According to TCM, autumn is the season of the lungs — an organ system associated with our ability to resist external pathogens (what we might call ‘germs’ today). When our lung energy, or qi, is low or unbalanced, we may be more vulnerable to colds, coughs and feeling generally run-down.

That’s why autumn and winter are the ideal times to support your system with acupuncture. It’s not just about treating illness — it’s about strengthening the body’s defences before illness has a chance to take hold. How Acupuncture Helps Boost Immunity

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that encourage balance, circulation and energy flow. In Western medical terms, research suggests that acupuncture can help regulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation — all key factors when it comes to staying healthy.

Here’s how it helps in practice:

• Strengthening your natural defences: Regular acupuncture sessions can help modulate immune activity, meaning your body is better equipped to fend off infections.

• Reducing stress: We all know stress takes a toll on the immune system. Acupuncture promotes calm, helps you sleep better, and gives your nervous system a reset.

• Supporting recovery: If you do come down with a cold or the dreaded winter lurgy, acupuncture can ease symptoms like sore throat, congestion and fatigue, helping you bounce back faster.

• Balancing energy: According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps restore the balance between Yin and Yang — vital for overall wellbeing, especially during darker, colder months.

So, if you’re feeling tired, run-down or constantly battling one bug after another, it might be time to book in and let your body catch up. Meet Alice Brooke — Our New Acupuncturist

We’re thrilled to have Alice Brooke join the Brixton Therapy Centre team. Alice brings a calm, friendly and deeply knowledgeable approach to acupuncture. She has a background in treating a wide range of issues — from stress, poor sleep and fatigue to menstrual health, headaches and digestive problems — but she has a special passion for supporting people’s health as the seasons change.

Alice believes that prevention is always better than cure. She loves helping clients build resilience and find balance, so they can enjoy the colder months instead of dreading them. Whether you’re looking for immune support, help managing winter colds, or simply a chance to unwind and feel restored, Alice tailors each treatment to your needs.

You’ll find her welcoming and approachable — perfect for anyone trying acupuncture for the first time. What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you might be wondering what’s involved. A typical first session with Alice begins with a chat about your general health, lifestyle, and any symptoms or concerns you’d like to address. This allows her to create a personalised treatment plan just for you.

During treatment, very fine needles (about the width of a human hair) are inserted into specific points on the body. Most people find this surprisingly relaxing — you might even drift off for a little nap while the needles do their work!

Afterwards, clients often describe feeling calm, clear-headed, and pleasantly re-energised. Over the next few days, that sense of wellbeing tends to deepen, and many people notice better sleep, improved digestion, or fewer aches and pains. Seasonal Self-Care Tips

While acupuncture is a brilliant tool for immune support, there’s plenty you can do day-to-day to stay well through winter. Alice recommends:

• Eat warm, nourishing foods. Think soups, stews, root vegetables and spices like ginger and cinnamon — they help support digestion and keep your body energy strong.

• Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when it’s cold outside. Herbal teas count!

• Keep moving. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga or Pilates keeps circulation healthy and helps regulate mood.

• Rest and sleep. Early nights and downtime help your immune system regenerate.

• Wrap up warm. According to Chinese medicine, keeping your neck, lower back and feet warm is key to avoiding “cold invasion” — so grab those scarves and cosy socks.

Combined with regular acupuncture, these habits create a solid foundation for winter wellbeing. A Little Halloween Treat from Us

To celebrate the season and welcome Alice to the team, we’re offering £10 off for all new clients who book an acupuncture session with Alice Brooke before the end of October.

Whether you’re trying acupuncture for the first time or returning after a break, this is a lovely opportunity to give your body the support it needs as the weather turns. Consider it your immune system’s version of a pumpkin-spiced latte — warming, restorative, and just what you need right now. Ready to Feel Your Best This Winter?

If you’re in Brixton, Clapham, Herne Hill, Camberwell or South London, we’d love to see you at Brixton Therapy Centre. Our team of practitioners — including osteopaths, massage therapists, acupuncturists and more — are here to help you stay healthy, balanced and pain-free through every season.

To book your acupuncture session with Alice Brooke and claim your 15% Halloween discount, simply give us a call or book online before the end of the month.

Stay cosy, stay well, and have a wonderfully spooky (and sniffle-free) Halloween!