Surviving Seasonal Allergies with TCM
Every year, at least 50 million Americans experience allergy symptoms, and that number is on the rise. Allergies are becoming more common as a result of the growing amount of additives in food, chemicals in the environment, as well as other environmental triggers. Acupuncture and TCM have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective treatments for respiratory conditions, including seasonal allergies and asthma related to allergies.
For hundreds of years, TCM practitioners have observed and understood what they call "Wei Qi," which is essentially protective energy. Wei Qi acts as a shield that prevents pathogens from entering the body from the outside. The lungs provide the energy to keep Wei Qi strong and especially to keep pathogens from entering the body through the nose and mouth. When Wei Qi is weak, it becomes easy for Wind to enter and bring pathogens, like cold, heat, dampness, or dryness.
A person's health is affected by both internal and external factors. Some people have weaker lungs because of genetics, childhood respiratory illnesses, smoking, or prescription medicine and this makes them more susceptible to allergies. Sometimes during especially wet and rainy winters there is an increase in mold, pollen, and grasses which trigger allergies in those with even strong healthy lungs.
Here is an exercise you can do to strengthen your lungs. Try to be outside when doing this exercise to give your body a chance to get used to the change of seasons. Since seasons change gradually, being outside every day allows your body to adjust more naturally.
Sit in a chair or on the ground with your legs crossed.
Exhale, and bend forward at the waist as much as possible.
Using your hands for support, raise your body back to an upright position.
Inhale, and hold the breath for 10 seconds.
This exercise helps to regulate lung Qi, the first line in defence against environmental triggers caused by seasonal allergies. In addition, there are herbal remedies and dietary changes that can help to relieve hay fever symptoms and rhinitis. These natural solutions also help to tonify the Wei Qi, so that allergic reactions will lessen over time.
It may be a surprise to know that an underlying cause of lung, and respiratory issues can often be attributed to the foods we eat. Patients with leaky gut, or other GI issues are probably no stranger to seasonal allergies, or other chronic respiratory issues like asthma.
Often an elimination diet removing dairy, refined grain, and other high allergen foods helps to decrease the symptoms of seasonal allergies, by strengthening digestion. Sometimes a bit of support with herbs like; ginsing, atractylodes, ginger, and licorice which are found in many common formulas such as Gui Pi Tang are what can give you that added boost to beat the oncoming allergy season.
As with most conditions there is not a 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Talking with your acupuncturist can help you zero-in on patterns to make allergic reactions less likely by managing symptoms and rebalancing your individual system.