Let's start with the basics: Allergies are an immune system response as your body is trying to protect itself. As we know, there are many forms that allergies can take - breakouts, sneezing, scratchy eyes, puffiness. In this article, my focus is on seasonal allergies, I plight from which many people suffer.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can manifest as allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion and stuffiness), asthma and difficulty breathing, puffy/itchy eyes, headaches and more. According to modern medicine, allergies can be treated by taking antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarine, and Allegra. While they can relieve symptoms temporarily, they may not address the underlying imbalances contributing to seasonal discomfort.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the presence of allergies is seen as an underlying imbalance in the body and a weakness of the body's defensive network, known as Wei Qi. Our solution is designed to support the body's natural balance through carefully selected herbal formulas, crafted with the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. These formulas aim to promote overall wellness and help maintain a state of balance in the body.
Chinese herbal supplements are crafted to support overall well-being by addressing both the symptoms (the 'branch') and the underlying factors (the 'root') based on traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The three common causes of seasonal allergies, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, are:
- An external invasion, such as excessive exposure to cold, heat, wind, or damp weather;
- A lack of energy, known as Qi deficiency, and,
- In children, insufficient growth of the immune system, known as Yuan deficiency.
External Invasions
An external invasion is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, and symptoms resemble a mild cold. Normally, it occurs due to a sudden change in temperature or after an unusual exposure to bad weather, like winds. We recommend Cang Er Zi San, a classic TCM formula traditionally used to support sinus and respiratory health
To prevent an external invasion, it is important to keep your immune system strong by eating warm nourishing foods, drinking plenty of fluids and getting a good night sleep, also wearing protective coverings when going out.
Make sure to keep the back of your neck covered when going out on breezy days, as this will protect you from external invasions. Similarly, dry hot air released from indoor heating setups can also worsen your allergies, so you need to avoid it as much as you can. A Chinese herbal supplement, named Yu Ping Feng San, is traditionally used to support the body's defenses and promote balance during seasonal changes.
Yu Ping Feng San translates to “Jade Windscreen Powder,” implying that this formula acts as a protective layer against the elements, much like a warm scarf. It is traditionally used to support the body’s natural defenses and maintain seasonal wellness.
Qi Deficiency and Seasonal Allergies
Another common seasonal allergy arises due to the deficiency in Qi, viewed in TCM as a pattern of low energy and reduced vitality. This is something that everyone has experienced - you feel tired and sluggish and have difficulty mustering the energy to complete your daily tasks.
In this situation it is common for people to take antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms, but antihistamines only treat symptoms, and don't address the root, so they don't provide complete relief.
Alternatively, Acupuncture is traditionally used to support healthy energy flow and promote comfort during seasonal transitions. As lungs are highly vulnerable to seasonal allergies, we assign acupuncture points along the lung meridian. A suitable formula in situation is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. This comprises of Chinese herb Huang Qi, also known as Astragalus.
Huang Qi has been used in various herbal medicine traditions to support overall energy and wellness, and to help maintain immune health, especially during seasonal changes. This herbal formula is designed to support the body's natural balance by addressing both the symptoms and underlying factors.
Seasonal Allergies and Kids
Last but not least, seasonal allergies are quite common among children aged below 12, with intensity ranging from mild to severe. Besides common causes like dust, pollen, pets, or dander, another contributing factor, according to TCM, is what is seen as insufficient development of the body’s natural defenses. Acupuncture and gentle herbal formulas are traditionally used to support children’s wellness during allergy season. In some instances, paying a visit with children for weekly treatment might seem difficult, but the nutritional therapy can be of great help. Some therapeutic foods for these children include fish, lentils, oats, and walnuts. Walnuts in particular help support Kidney Qi, which is viewed in TCM as important for healthy development.
A Kid-Friendly Recipe to Boost Your Kids' Kidney Qi
Ingredients
- 0.5 lbs. Walnuts
- 1 Tbsp. Black Sesame Seed
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
Instructions
Chop walnuts into small pieces. Then roast the walnuts in olive oil on low heat until they are slightly browned. Sprinkle sesame seeds along with a glaze of honey in the same pot. Keep stirring until all the ingredients mix well together. Remove from heat and make small balls. Store in container having wax paper lining, and refrigerate for some time. Eat daily as energy boosting snacks within meals.
Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Megan Crouse, L.Ac. is a board-certified acupuncturist with a Master's degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her passion is women's health: She specializes in treating gynecological conditions, infertility, discomfort in pregnancy, PMS, and menopause, and takes particular joy in helping couples conceive naturally. Learn more about Megan and Modern Roots Acupuncture at modernrootsacu.com.
