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 season allergies can manifest as allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion and stuffiness) asthma and difficulty breathing, puffy/itchy eyes, headaches and more. According to the modern medicine, allergies can be treated by taking antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarine, and Allegra. While these drugs are helpful in managing uncomfortable symptoms, they fail to provide a permanent cure
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. From the perspective of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, our solution is to supplement the body with carefully chosen and thoughtfully crafted herbal formulas, which work to bring the body back to homeostasis, a state of natural balance.
With Chinese herbal supplements, we effectively manage the "branch" (symptoms) and the "root" (reason). 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 sudden change in temperature or after an unusual exposure to bad weather like winds. To get relief from nasal congestion resulting from one these reasons, we recommend using formula Cang Er Zi San, which helps to clear nasal passages.
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 set-ups 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 especially designed to protect from external invasion.
Yu Ping Feng San translates to “Jade Windscreen Powder,” implying that this formula acts as protective layer against the elements, much like a warm scarf. By keeping pores opens and close, this formula works from the inside out and prevents pathogens from invading your body.
Qi Deficiency and Seasonal Allergies
Another common seasonal allergy arises due to the deficiency in Qi, which deteriorates body’s immunity and defense mechanism. 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 a useful way to foster energy flows and tame seasonal allergies. 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 is used in many herbal medicine traditions as a way to increase energy and prevent colds as well as alleviate the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. That means this herbal formula treats both the main complaint and the causative factor simultaneously.
Seasonal Allergies and Kids
Last but not least, seasonal allergies are quiet common among children aging below 12, with intensity ranging from mild to severe. Besides common causes like dust, pollen, pets or dander, another significant cause is a weak immunity. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are great at treating childhood allergies. 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 are wonderful for boosting what we call Kidney Qi, which we consider essential in childhood growth and 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 on 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.
