Imbalances in your body may come from a variety of causes, which includes stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins. Imbalances that remain in the body over time will affect the function of the Organ Systems. As some Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”) this can lead to a further decrease of quantity and quality of your health. In the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi flowing within the body in order to stay healthy.
Understanding Wei Qi?
Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses, and pollen.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies can be greatly reduced or eliminated.
Allergies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be due to a variety of factors. Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that your acupuncturist
may discover and treat.
- Wei Qi deficiency
- Spleen weakness
- Kidney deficiency
- Lung deficiency
How Can An Acupuncturist Help?
An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.
Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the body’s Wei Qi.
Tips for Survivng Allergy Season:
- Flush your nose with a Neti pot.
- Add spicy foods and omega-3′s to your diet.
- Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering.
- Put on a dust mask when you are doing yard or house work.
- Do not hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they will gather dust, mold and pollen.
- Come in for an acupuncture tune-up.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are both drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.
Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help you better cope with allergy season. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.