Seasonal Allergies
Support Your Immune System (Wei Qi)
with Acupuncture and Herbs!
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, a 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. The western medical approach to treating allergies is to take antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Allegra. Though these drugs are effective for treating uncomfortable symptoms, they do not offer a cure.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, 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. Each formula works to bring the body back to homeostasis, a state of natural balance.
EXTERNAL INVASIONS
An external invasion is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, and symptoms resemble a mild cold. It usually occurs after a dramatic temperature change or after prolonged exposure to the harmful weather, particularly wind. To help with nasal congestion resulting from this condition, we use formulas such as Jadescreen to clear the nasal passages. It is important to keep your immune system strong to prevent external invasions by eating warm nourishing foods, drinking plenty of fluids, getting a good night sleep, and make sure to wearing proper clothing when going outdoors.
Keeping the back of your neck covered when going outside on a windy or cold day is particularly important way for preventing an external invasion. Dry hot air from indoor heating systems can also aggravate allergies in the same way, so try to avoid using this too much. A Chinese herbal formula, Yu Ping Feng San is particularly useful for preventing an external invasion. Yu Ping Feng San translates to “Jade Windscreen Powder,” implying that this formula acts as protective layer against the elements. This formula works from the inside out, opening and closing the pores of the body to keep the pathogens from entering your body.
QI DEFICIENCY AND SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Another type of seasonal allergy is due a deficiency in Qi, which causes a weakening of the immune system defenses. This is a very common experience - feeling tired/sluggish and having difficulty mustering the energy to complete your daily tasks.
In a Qi deficiency situation, it is common for people to take antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms However, antihistamines only treat symptoms and not the root of the issue, providing temporary relief instead of solving the problem.
As an alternative, acupuncture is a great way to increase energy and control seasonal allergies. Since the lungs are most affected by seasonal allergies, we would use acupuncture points along the lung meridian. An appropriate formula in this case is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. This formula contains the Chinese herb Huang Qi, better known as Astragalus. Huang Qi is used in many herbal medicines as a way to increase energy and prevent colds, helping to alleviate the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Unlike antihistamines, this herbal formula treats both the main complaint and the causative factor simultaneously.
SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND KIDS
It is very common for children under the age of 12 to experience seasonal allergies at levels varying from mild to extreme. While the main cause may be dust, pollen, pets, or dander, the underlying cause is an underdeveloped immune system. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are great at treating childhood allergies. Sometimes it is hard to find the time to bring children in for weekly treatments, but nutritional therapy can be of great assistance. Nutritional foods that can help children with this issue include fish, lentils, oats, and walnuts. Walnuts in particular are wonderful for boosting what we call Kidney Qi, which is considered 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. Pour sesame seeds and honey into the same pot. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed together. Remove from heat and form into bite-sized balls. Place in container lined with wax paper and let cool in the refrigerator. Eat daily as high energy snacks between meals.