Seasonal allergies affect many people, causing them to suffer symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views a person as a small universe, living within and interacting with nature- the large universe.
Seasonal allergies are experienced when there is an imbalance internally and are triggered by the environment, an external factor.
TCM refers to these external factors as Evil Qi—being wind, cold, heat, dryness, and dampness.
These evils can invade and affect the body. They come from nature, according to the seasons. Spring brings wind, summer heat and dampness, autumn dryness and winter cold. People have the ability to adjust to a changing environment. However, when the small universe is not in harmony with the larger universe, disease occurs.
TCM treats allergies by helping the body balance the internal environment. This can often be achieved with acupuncture and TCM dietary therapy.
While it is possible to take antihistamines to quickly relieve allergy symptoms, the problem remains and symptoms will keeping returning.
The best prevention is to bring the body back into balance and eliminate the allergy. This process can take time, and it is good to begin before the season starts.
Try to go outside daily. Take in the fresh air, absorb natural sunlight and when it’s warm enough, walk barefoot on grass to practice “earthing”
We react to external conditions, so give the body a chance to get used to the change of seasons. The seasons change gradually, being outdoors every day gives the body time to adjust.
Acupuncture Points for Allergic Rhinitis , Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis
Along with several Acu-points on the body to treat the root cause of seasonal allergies these are some of the possible face points used during a treatment.
It can be helpful to perform self massage / acupressure to these points to help with congestion, headache and other symptoms experienced with allergies.
Du 24 Shéntíng
“Courtyard of the Spirit”
Treats the nose and eyes, ceaseless nasal discharge, nasal congestion and discharge, nosebleed
Yìntáng
“Hall of Impression “
Benefits the nose in the treatment of nasal congestion and discharge, rhinitis, sinus pain, nosebleed
Ub 2 Zǎnzhú
“Gathered Bamboo”
Local point for pain of the eyebrow and supraorbital region, rhinitis, sneezing, sinus pain and frontal headache
Bítōng
“Penetrating the Nose”
Commonly used for the treatment of nose disorders, especially by through-needling from Yíngxiāng Li 20
Li 20 Yíngxiāng
“Welcome Fragrance”
Principal local point for all nose disorders: congestion and discharge, nosebleed, loss of sense of smell, nasal polyps, nasal sores, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, sneezing
Source: A Manual of Acupuncture
Book by Peter Deadman ,Kevin Baker, and Mazin Al- Khafaji
For more information on how TCM can help you with your seasonal allergies and to start your treatment before the allergy season takes hold of you, book an initial visit with Naheed on Monday Wednesday or Thursday at Thrive Wellness.