Allergy Season
Q: Allergy season is coming and I dread it. Do you have any ideas to help keep my walking free from sneezing, running eyes, etc?
A: Chinese medicine considers allergies to be the result of the lung’s failure to properly disseminate qi throughout the body. When qi does not circulate properly, fluids stagnate and phlegm develops.
As an acupuncturist, my job is to accurately assess both the root (the source) and the branch (the manifestation) of the condition. As soon as I determine whether the root or the branch predominates, I’m going to treat accordingly. In the case of seasonal allergies, the lung’s failure to disseminate qi throughout the body is the root of the condition and the fluid stagnation and phlegm accumulation are the branches. During the spring season, when allergies are at their worst, I generally focus on treating the phlegm — the runny nose, post nasal drip and chest congestion — by using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs like ban xia (pinellia rhizome), chen pi (aged citrus peel) and cang er zi (xanthium).
But my advice is don’t wait for the onset of those uncomfortable symptoms. Although seasonal allergy symptoms can be treated quite successfully with acupuncture and herbs, true treatment of the root of seasonal allergies must take place when the symptoms have subsided. In ancient times, fall was viewed as the best time to treat the root of seasonal allergies. Practically speaking, however, the root can be treated whenever the symptoms are not present. Even treating the root weeks before allergies hit can be quite effective. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs like huang qi (astragalus), ren shen (ginseng) and fang feng (ledebouriella root) can greatly reduce the impact of
seasonal allergies before they come.
Of course allergy sufferers should address all conditions under the advice of a physician and I would never advise taking any Chinese herbs while not under the care of a licensed acupuncturist. But consider making an acupuncture appointment as part of your training and you might alleviate those allergies this spring.
— Justin Levy
Natural Alternatives to Antihistamines
Q: I have allergies, but pills make me sleepy. Are there any natural alternatives to antihistamines?
A: Yes, in fact there is quite an array of naturopathic and homeopathic treatments for allergies. As with allopathic medicine, the trick is to find the one that works best for you. Histamine, which is a chemical released in the body and is the main culprit in allergic symptoms, is typically where physicians target treatment. Numerous herbs do have antihistamine properties but effective treatment is a little more complex then just taking a pill. I like to treat my patients’ allergic reactions by looking specifically at their symptoms. If a patient has the typical itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal complaints but they also have difficulty breathing or asthma then a treatment protocol should include bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory herbs. If a patient’s allergies are worse with stress then adrenal support should be added. If allergies coincide with common colds then I would add immune boosters.
As you can see, the treatment possibilities for allergies are endless. One reason naturopathic medicine really excels at treating allergies is because of the naturopathic philosophy of treating the whole person, on an individual basis. Claritin is fine, but if you really want to address those allergies, it may take more than what’s available at any pharmacy counter. And of course along with treatment, there is also prevention. I think essential fatty acids and B vitamins play one role in prevention and so do environmental factors such as keeping your bedroom allergen free. Consult a naturopathic physician to identify all your environmental, food, and work related allergens and you could be feeling better faster than you think.
— Lindsey Nelson
This Issue’s Experts
Justin Levy, L.Ac, is a licensed acupuncturist, board certified Chinese herbology, and a licensed massage therapist and can be reached at 503-279-0205 or justinl@clearh2o.org.
Lindsey Nelson, ND, is a naturopathic primary care physician and can be reached at 503-279-0205 or lindseyn@clearh2o.org.
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