East Meets West

The Basics
While fall is the best time to start treating your allergies, now is better than never. It is never too late to benefit. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the respiratory system. The lungs are blamed for most allergies because the lungs bring in air through the nose and mouth, and common signs of an allergy are a runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and/or a cough. However, depending on the allergy, spring may also be the time when many hay fever victims suffer.

Itchy, red, watery eyes are another common allergy symptom. TCM associates the eyes with the liver, and the liver with spring. The liver is responsible for detoxification. If toxins and pollutants from the air, food, water, household products, toiletries, and so on overburden your liver, then it will be less effective at keeping your body clean.

So, how does all this relate to allergies? The link is our immune system. The immune system keeps out invaders—things that can make you sick. Sometimes the immune system gets overzealous, attacking things it shouldn’t worry about, and overreacting against things that are minor problems. If you have too many toxins circulating or stored in your body, your immune system can become confused. Allergies are one kind of auto-immune disorder.

The problem
For some people allergy season means carrying around a small pack of tissues, just in case. For others, it can mean being housebound. Allergies can also cause fatigue, low sex drive, and a reduced desire to participate in social activities. Other studies have found that, since the 1970s, our measured level of allergy antibodies has been steadily increasing. While we may not know for sure the reasons why, it is clear we are doing something that is increasing our sensitivity to potential allergens.

Some solutions
Why not take an antihistamine? Many antihistamines can make you drowsy and I certainly want to be alert for my job, driving, and social activities! In addition, while they offer an immediate solution, for the long term antihistamines are not doing anything to reduce the chances that you will go through this again next year…and the year after that…and the year after that. In addition, regular use of antihistamines can further tax your already overworked liver.

It’s not that antihistamines shouldn’t be a treatment option. They can be useful if you need immediate relief. You need to be able to sleep, to focus, and to breathe without fear. However, at the same time you can balance your body with natural remedies and lifestyle changes. If your symptoms are manageable without drugs, you might also consider giving “natural” solutions a chance on their own.

Both acupuncture and Chinese herbals can help eliminate or reduce allergy reactions. A randomized, controlled clinical trial published in the journal “Allergy” demonstrated that “traditional Chinese therapy may be an efficacious and safe treatment option for patients with seasonal allergic reactions”. Medical doctors are also recommending acupuncture as a safe alternative, or as a complementary therapy with standard treatments. (“Acupuncture or Allergy Shots?”)

Identifying your food sensitivities and avoiding those items can also lessen the burden on your immune system. As with acupuncture and herbs, TCM relies on your TCM diagnosis to make specific food cure recommendations. You can start by keeping a food diary and paying particular attention to foods that cause you to react. Also, keep track of foods that you consume in excess, or foods that are processed.

Of course, avoiding inhaling the offending allergens is another important step in breathing comfort, but that doesn’t mean living in an airtight bubble. You might think you are safe once you step inside, but allergens can be abundant indoors too. One way to help clean the air you breathe, and reduce the amount of circulating pollen, dust, bacteria, dander, cigarette smoke, chemicals, gases, and other pollutants, is to use an air purifier such as a HEPA filter.

Instead of saying “gesundheit”, it’s time to say “auf wiedersehen” (i.e. goodbye) to your allergies!