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Understanding Allergies through Traditional Chinese Medicine by Heather Wisely L.Ac
Spring can be a beautiful time of year, or not… if you are plagued by seasonal allergies. Acupuncture is highly effective for treating seasonal allergies and every spring I treat hundreds of people. A large part of the treatment is helping people to understand what’s happening in their body, and what causes the specific symptoms each person has. Chinese Medicine goes beyond symptomatic care, looking to build the bodies health and understand why the body reacts as it does. Chinese Medicine aims to effectively treat the symptoms and the cause at the same time.
If your immune system is strong and calm, and all of your organs are functioning optimally then there will be no reaction from your body to allergens.
The question I’m most often asked by clients “what can I do to help my body, in order to get rid of my allergies?” First things first, pay attention. Take a look at your specific symptoms, when they come on and what makes them worse.
Understanding your body from a Chinese Medicine stand point, there are three major organs that play into seasonal allergies. Each of them will come with specific symptoms. The Lungs, Liver, and Stomach. One, two or all of them may be at play.
The Liver governs the eyes and its season is the spring. It tends to be affected by stress (all forms of stress, emotional, physical, mental, chemical etc). Symptoms involving the eyes or spring allergies indicate that the Liver needs some attention or a gentle detox from stressors.
The Lungs rule the entire respiratory tract, as well as the skin and its season is the fall. Any symptoms on the skin, in the nose or throat are related to the lungs. Fall allergies and common colds indicate the Lungs are in need of some balance.
The digestive system will create phlegm and mucus in the body when it is weak. If there is excessive mucus as part of the symptoms then the digestive system is part of the equation. The Lungs and Stomach together oversee the immune system. A weak immune system will lead to an over-reactive immune system, which in turn will cause an over-reaction to allergens.
Chinese medicine treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, dietary recommendations and deep breathing exercise to help restore your body back to balance.