According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, allergy symptoms are often considered to result from external pathogenic factors invading the body and a deficiency of the body’s defensive qi (immune system).
- Allergic Rhinitis: The main symptoms include nasal congestion, clear runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. TCM views this as a result of wind-cold or wind-heat pathogens invading the lung meridian, causing the lung qi to fail to disperse. Additionally, spleen deficiency and kidney deficiency can lead to insufficient defensive qi, making the body more susceptible to external pathogens.
- Allergic Asthma: Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing. In TCM, this is thought to be caused by external wind pathogens or internal phlegm-dampness obstructing the lung qi, or due to the kidneys failing to grasp the qi, leading to difficulty in regulating breathing.
- Skin Allergies (Eczema, Urticaria): These symptoms manifest as skin redness, swelling, itching, rashes, and blisters. TCM believes this is due to wind, dampness, and heat pathogens invading the skin or internal damp-heat accumulation. Wind pathogens combined with dampness can lead to skin eruptions.
When treating allergy symptoms, TCM emphasizes pattern differentiation and treatment. Depending on the type of allergy and symptoms, various methods such as acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine may be used to improve the body’s constitution, enhance immunity, and resist external pathogenic invasion. It is recommended that patients seek personalized treatment under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner for the best results.
Common Chinese Herbs Used to Treat Allergy Symptoms:
- Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root): Fang Feng has the properties of expelling wind, relieving the exterior, stopping pain, and alleviating itching. It is commonly used to treat wind-cold colds, allergic rhinitis, and skin itching. It helps to dispel wind pathogens and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Cang Er Zi (Xanthium Fruit): Cang Er Zi is known for its ability to expel wind, disperse cold, and open the nasal passages. It is often used to treat allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, and runny nose. It helps to clear the nasal passages of phlegm-dampness and wind pathogens.
- Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root): Bai Zhi has the properties of expelling wind, relieving the exterior, reducing swelling, and stopping pain. It is commonly used to treat rhinitis, nasal congestion, headaches, and skin rashes related to allergies. It helps alleviate facial and nasal symptoms caused by allergies.
These herbs are often used in combination according to the specific symptoms and constitution of the patient. It is advisable to use them under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy.