Allergies—especially during springtime—are quite common. While spring is often seen as a beautiful season of renewal, with blooming flowers and nature coming back to life, for allergy sufferers, it can feel like a nightmare. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and irritated skin… these symptoms can be unbearable and severely impact daily life and work.
Chinese medicine offers a variety of approaches to managing allergies, often focusing on balancing the body’s energy (Qi) and strengthening the immune system.
Dietary Adjustments
Incorporating anti-allergic foods such as carrots, enoki mushrooms, and honey can help enhance skin defenses, boost immunity, and reduce allergic reactions. It’s best to avoid spicy, irritating, or cold foods like hot pot, wasabi, chili peppers, ice cream, and chilled beverages.
Emotional Regulation
Practices such as meditation, yoga, and music therapy can help relax the mind and body. Maintaining a happy and calm mindset supports the smooth flow of liver Qi and balances Qi and blood, which may improve allergic sensitivity over time.
Massage Therapy
Massage can promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and ease allergy symptoms. Targeting specific pressure points may help with general relaxation and allergy relief, including:
- Yin Tang: Located at the midpoint between the eyebrows.
- LI20 (Ying Xiang): Found at the base of the nostrils, on either side.
- Bitong: Just above the nostrils, near the crease of the nose.
- LI4 (He Gu): In the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger.
To use acupressure, gently press each point with your thumb or finger. Apply steady pressure for 20–30 seconds, then release. Repeat 3–5 times for each point.
This is a general guideline. For personalized treatment, please consult a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner.
