Skip to main content

Allergies and Traditional Chinese Medicine


The birds are chirping, the wind is blowing, and the green shoots are jutting out of the earth.
Nothing is more relieving for those of us in the Northern hemisphere than a beautiful spring after
a long winter, well at least for most of us. If you are one of those thousands of people affected by
seasonal allergies you know the friendly signs of spring can be a step ahead of us resulting in
sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and overall discomfort and misery.
Most allergies sufferers are used to stocking up on over the counter anti-histamines
pharmaceuticals in preparation for allergy season. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine can
offer treatment that can not only relieve allergy symptoms but improve your overall health.
Chinese medicine describes seasonal allergies as being caused by both internal and external
factors.
Externally, allergies are caused by pathogenic wind invading. Wind is a yang pathogen and tends
to invade the yang part of the body, namely the head and eyes. Signs that wind has invaded are
itching, watery eyes, redness that comes and goes and nasal congestion. Symptoms associated
with wind come on abruptly and strongly. This is why you can be fine one minute and have a
runny nose or be completely congested the next.
As the weather changes we become more vulnerable to outside pathogens. Don’t be afraid to
keep wearing a scarf as it gets a little warmer to help your defences from the wind.  Acupuncture
and Chinese medicine are very effective at releasing wind and therefore relieving the symptoms.
While clearing wind is important for the short term relief of allergies a long term cure can only
be achieved by working towards internal balance. Allergies are an over-reaction of our immune
system. When our stress levels are elevated our immune system becomes hyperactive. In TCM
the way to stop our natural defences from going haywire is to balance of our kidneys. When our
kidneys are regulated wind is unable to penetrate our defensive qi and symptoms do not emerge.
A kidney imbalance is the root cause of why we get allergies.  Restoring kidney qi can take
longer and making lifestyle changes but can lead to permanent resolution of seasonal allergies as
well as bringing clarity and vitality into your life.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The story of the five elements in Chinese medicine a bedtime story

  Once upon a time in ancient China, there was a peaceful village nestled between rolling hills and a flowing river. The villagers lived harmoniously, practicing the ancient art of Chinese medicine to maintain their health and well-being. In this village, five extraordinary friends set out on a journey that would teach them the power of the five elements in Chinese medicine. The five friends were named Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each of them possessed unique qualities and talents, making them inseparable companions. Fire was a lively and passionate friend, full of energy and warmth. Earth was nurturing and caring, always providing a stable and supportive presence. Metal was strong and precise, embodying clarity and determination. Water was fluid and adaptable, representing wisdom and the ability to flow with life's changes. Wood was adventurous and ambitious, representing growth and renewal. One day, they heard of a wise healer living high atop a distant mountain, known f...

Asia and its contribution to ancient medicine and traditional medicine in the 21st century

  Asia has made significant contributions to ancient medicine and traditional medicine practices that continue to have an impact in the 21st century. Here are some key contributions: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): China has a rich history of traditional medicine, with TCM being one of the most well-known systems. TCM encompasses various modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage (tui na), and exercise practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. TCM's holistic approach and focus on restoring balance and harmony within the body have gained recognition and influence worldwide. Ayurveda: Originating in ancient India, Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit. It incorporates herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle modifications, yoga, meditation, and other therapeutic techniques. Ayurveda's personalized approach and emphasis on preventive healthcare have gained popularity globally. Traditional Korean Medicine ...

Understanding the internal ecosystem in Asian medicine

  In Asian medicine, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of the "internal ecosystem" refers to the dynamic and interconnected systems within the body that contribute to overall health and well-being. It encompasses various aspects, including organ systems, energy channels, and the balance of yin and yang energies. Here's a brief explanation of the internal ecosystem in Asian medicine: Organ Systems: Asian medicine recognizes the vital role of organ systems in maintaining health. Rather than focusing solely on anatomical functions, each organ system is seen as a dynamic entity with specific physiological, energetic, and emotional functions. The organs are believed to interact and influence one another, forming a complex network that affects overall health. Energy Channels: Asian medicine describes the body as having a network of energy channels or meridians through which vital energy, called Qi, flows. These channels connect various organs, tiss...