Breathing Easier Naturally: TCM & Acupuncture for Allergy Relief
Allergies can be so debilitating or just downright annoying, and what if there was a way to make those months when they flare a bit more bearable.
Springtime is a common time of year for allergies to flare up even more. People with reoccurring allergies tend to experience sinus congestion, an itchy nose, watery eyes, etc. Nasal sprays or allergy medications can be an easy band aid fix, but they aren’t reaching the root of the problem. How great would it be to not have to rely on medications to feel normal day to day?
In traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, we look at the body’s outermost Qi first and foremost. If this barrier isn’t working to its full ability, pathogens are able to enter the body and cause irritating symptoms. We call this Qi the “Wei Qi.” A simple comparison for Wei Qi is the immune system. Wei Qi is in control of the opening and closing of pores and takes part in regulating the body’s temperature. Knowing this information, you can see why it would be important for this to be functioning properly to ensure no pathogens can easily penetrate the body.
Wei Qi is only one piece of the puzzle. The function of your Lungs is also very important. In traditional Chinese medicine, your Lungs job is to disperse Wei Qi. Therefore, if your Lung Qi is weak, it’s not possible for it to properly spread to the surface and give your body the protection it needs. Signs that your Lung Qi may be deficient can include frequent colds, spontaneous sweating, and/or a weak voice.
There are a few other organs that if not functioning correctly could be playing a part. One of these being your Spleen. If your Spleen is deficient, this can contribute to sinus congestion, runny nose, and mucous. When the Spleen is weak it can cause an increase of “dampness” which can then lead to these symptoms. Another organ we look at is the Kidneys. The Kidneys are the first step in producing all the Qi in our body. This is a reason why the Kidneys are considered the “mother of all organs.” The Kidneys also help the Lungs in absorbing Qi. The last organ we consider is the Liver and this is especially prevalent in the springtime. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and so if the Liver is disrupted, it will be difficult for the Wei Qi to even circulate. Stress can play a large part in this and whether the Liver Qi is flowing effectively. Springtime is also the season of the Liver so it’s common for symptoms to arise during this time if your Liver needs some TLC.
So what can we do about allergies with acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine?
With acupuncture there are many different points we can use to both support the organs that may be weak but also to treat the symptoms you’re currently experiencing. Acupuncture is amazing for minimizing congestion and a runny nose. The points chosen can help to drain from the face and decrease your symptoms. Along with treating immediate symptoms, boosting the function of the organs mentioned above along with regulating their function will help to prevent future flare ups from happening.
Alongside acupuncture, there are herbs and dietary recommendations you can take. Herbal formulas should be chosen for you specifically through your Chinese medicine practitioner so ensure the formula you take is correct for your specific constitution. But some basic foods you can incorporate into your diet include:
Ginger
Garlic
Green onions
Carrots
Local honey/bee pollen
Vinegar
Citrus Fruits
Sweet potatoes
Stinging nettle tea
All of these foods either support one of the organs we talked about above, or aid in protecting the body against external pathogens.
As always, it’s very important to control stress as much as possible and rest extra whenever it feels it is needed. Rest gives the body a chance to replenish your Qi and if you’re constantly overexerting, the Qi will continue to get worn out.
It’s important to work on your allergies all year around, not just when you experience them the worst. If you can provide your body the time and tools to build resilience before the symptoms have the chance to happen, eventually they won’t be a problem anymore. This is why acupuncture is amazing for not only symptomatic care but is also crucial in preventative care.