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I have allergies and am frequently catching colds or the flu. Can
acupuncture and Chinese medicine help these conditions?
Yes, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can effectively
treat allergies, colds or the flu. Allergies are overreactions of our immune
system to things in the environment such as dust, pollen, foods or
chemicals. Symptoms involve red, itching eyes, a runny nose with nasal
congestion, headaches, asthma, fatigue, diarrhea or hives. Colds and flu are
virus infections in our upper respiratory system, with manifestations of
chills, fever, aches, nasal congestion, cough, etc. In western medicine they
are completely different diseases, but they often happen together.
According to TCM, on our body surface there is an energy called Wei Qi
(defensive energy) that circulates on our body surface to protect our body
from attacks of pathogens. If our Wei Qi is low, we are easily bothered by
environmental factors that may lead to allergic reactions or infection by
germs surrounding us. This leads to developing a cold or flu. Therefore,
lowered Wei Qi in the body causes both allergies and frequently catching
colds.
In TCM, the major part of Wei Qi comes from the spleen (related to our
digestive system) that supplies our body with Qi and blood, and keeps our
body nourished and strong. Another part of our Wei Qi comes from the kidney,
which is where our congenital energy comes from. Low congenital Qi or weak
constitution is another factor that contributes to a low or weak Wei Qi. The
factors that weaken our spleen or kidney such as poor diet, stressful living
or working conditions, or environmental pollution, often weaken our Wei Qi,
which leads to a weakened immune system or overreactions of our immune
system.
In western medicine, these conditions are often treated with medications
that mostly address symptoms. TCM and Acupuncture can treat both the
symptoms and the cause together with no side effects. Acupuncture can
regulate the immune system and decrease inflammation, which can immediately
relieve allergy symptoms. There are a few herbal formulas that are
traditionally used to enhance Wei Qi. One example is Yu Ping Feng San (Jade
Screen Powder). This formula has been used for hundreds of years and was
named after the effect of this formula to build the body surfaces; a Jade
Screen protects any invasion of pathogens to the body.
For more details on this subject, please contact Dr. Xia Chen of Body
Mind Synergy Health Centre at 403.520.5258 or visit
www.bodymindsynergy.com |
