Seasonal Allergies: Why Do You Get Them When Others Don't?
Do you ever ask yourself the question, why do I get seasonal allergies and other people do not? We are all living in the same atmosphere, breathing in the same air! In Chinese medicine terms, some people’s defences are stronger at keeping allergens out. But if you are experiencing itchy and water eyes, runny nose, phlegm, mucous, sore throat, low energy, then your body is not keeping the allergens completely out.
According to Chinese Medicine, these allergens, or pathogens, enter the body through the nose, mouth and skin. When they are able to get inside, the body will naturally create phlegm or dampness to block these pathogens from entering further into the body. Although the symptoms you experience are not fun, in Chinese medicine they are seen as part of the body’s defence.
During the fall season ( and spring) we experience high levels of outside temperature fluctuations. The weather is changing from one season to the next, which means your body needs to adapt to these changes. The weather patterns are testing your body and its ability to adapt. When the weather temperature goes up and down, your body must regulate your own bodies temperature. It mainly does this by sweating, and therefore the opening and closing of the skin’s pores are affected. If it gets very cold, the pores close, and if it gets very hot, the pores open to release heat. If the pores remain open, pathogens like dust, dander, pollen etc, can easily enter the body, and cause allergic reactions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatment aims to regulate the opening and closing of the pores by strengthening the body’s defensive qi. We do this using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. How people respond varies.
So what is the next step? It all starts with a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis to identify your pattern. Herbal medicine is then chosen to strengthen the defensive qi and clear phlegm and dampness, in Chinese medicine terms, and we review how you are doing at each visit. Remember, Fall and Spring are beautiful seasons to enjoy outside, so don’t let those nasty allergy symptoms get in the way.
Call me to discuss – 647-346-2780