According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes including stress, poor diet, consitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.
Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the funciton of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay health.
What is Wei Qi?
The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is simlar 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. People who have a Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.
Acupunture 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 could be greatly reduced or eliminated.
What will an acupuncturist do?
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 address the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.
Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, Nutritional Response Testing, massage (Tui Na), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process inorder to balance, build, and support the body’s Wei Qi.
Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that I may discover and treat for when it comes to allergies:
- Wei Qi Deficiency
- Spleen weakness
- Kidney deficiency
- Lung deficiency.
Herbal formulas and Nutritonal supplements may depend upon your diagnosis making it a tailored program to fit your health needs.
