Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without suffering from allergies? Are you on allergy medicines and wonder how they might affect your overall health?
Winter and fall allergies can cause a great deal of discomfort for many people, young or old. Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and red, itchy eyes. Western medicine typically prescribes antihistamines, decongestants, or drugs that act on the nervous system. While these may be effective in treating the allergic response, they often have undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness, immune system suppression or over-reliance on medications.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer an alternative to these Western approaches, treating the whole person and recognizing that people with chronic allergies often show signs of imbalance in different organs.
TCM considers allergies a manifestation of Wind invading the upper body. This occurs because one’s protective Qi has been weakened, which explains why a Chinese herbalist may address these allergies by building up the body’s defensive Qi. The goal is not to cover up the symptoms, but to treat any underlying immune system imbalances, which may be the real cause of one’s allergy problems. Acupuncture, herbal formulas or dietary adjustments are beneficial therapies. At Artemesia, I frequently use the NAET allergy elimination technique to provide quick relief, and the above mentioned therapies to make the immune system strong.
Those sensitive to ragweed and similar fall blooms, should boost their immune system before the fall allergy season arrives. That means seeing one’s TCM practitioner about acupuncture now, for it can take awhile for these procedures to help with allergic symptoms. People who wait until they start sneezing or suffer from a sinus headache, will find they’ve acted too late. Building immunity to fall allergies is best done weekly for four to six weeks. Those who suffer from ragweed allergies should begin treatment immediately. Individuals who can’t tolerate cedar, or leaf mold should start treatment no later than October 1.
For a more in-depth look at treating Fall Allergies with Traditional Chinese Methods, join us on August 23rd for a free, 90-minute seminar. Click here for details.