Finding Answers for Allergies

Let’s start with a little quiz: In 2010, who paid $339 million, or 7.8 percent of the $4.3 billion total, on advertisements? Here’s a clue to the answer – Advair, Symbicort, Spiriva HandiHaler and Singulair. It’s no surprise that big-name pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of money influencing the American public’s purchasing choices for allergy and asthma “cures.” These numbers address prescription drugs only; add in over-the-counter medications, like Claritin and Benedryl, and the sum only goes higher!

Why would corporations invest healthy sums into this type of advertising? In the U.S., it is a large, profitable market. An estimated 50 million people, or one in five individuals, are affected by allergies. The watery eyes and runny nose are just the tip of the iceberg… allergies can cause serious setbacks to a person’s daily life.

The culmination of allergy symptoms can be quite bothersome, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks beyond the discomfort and seeks to treat the heart of the matter… or, in this case, the lungs and spleen. Typically, lung and spleen qi deficiencies ignite allergic reactions within patients. Lung qi is responsible for the proper function of the entire respiratory tract, including the nasal passages, while spleen qi controls the transport of fluids. When spleen qi is impaired, it weakens digestive function and leads to an overproduction of mucus, which tends to collect in the lungs.

A qualified acupuncturist will certainly treat the presenting symptoms first in an attempt to make the patient feel better, and then tackle the root of the problem. One of the most effective first courses of action is prescribing an herbal supplement called Bi Yan Pian. Literally meaning, “nose inflammation pill,” Bi Yan Pian is a traditional Chinese mix of 11 herbs that reduce inflamed nasal passages and relieve congestion. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, Bi Yan Pian is a natural solution, and does not pose the same risks as other treatments. Likewise, targeting acupuncture initially to strengthen the lungs provides more immediate relief. Over time, following a comprehensive treatment plan that encompasses the lungs, spleen, and the whole self allows patients to move past the nagging symptoms and complications that arise with allergies.

Foods are critical for allergy sufferers – both those to consume, and those to avoid. In general, “white” foods are desirable to tonify the lungs; these include almonds, ginseng, and turnips. White mushrooms, in particular, should be eaten to encourage fluids, boost yin qi, and relieve coughing and constipation. Other good choices are cooked whole grains, potatoes, squash, parsnips, onions, leeks, garlic, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Conversely, salad and raw vegetables, raw fruits, tomatoes, dairy products, foods with refined sugars, and iced drinks should be removed from the diet during allergy season.

So the final question: If you are the “special” one in five, how would you choose to address your allergies? There are more than the advertised answers available to you… natural solutions that encourage your body to heal itself. And, isn’t that the best answer of all?

Kyle Smith, diplomate of Oriental medicine (Dipl OM), graduated magna cum laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Kyle has also studied and taught Tai Chi Chuan for a number of years, including a trip to China with his instructor. As a dedicated practitioner of TCM with Heaven & Earth Acupuncture and Wellness in Brookfield, Wisconsin, he offers free initial consultation and first treatments, and free insurance verification. For more information, visit www.heavenandearthacu.com.