Allergies, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a common substance as a threat to the body. Common allergens can be seasonal or year-round triggers and are found indoors and out. They include foods, pollen, animal dander, mold, latex, insect venom, drugs, and dust mites.

Allergy Symptoms

When exposed to an allergen, the body responds with inflammation in an attempt to expel the allergen. An allergic reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing and asthma. Severe reactions can result in anaphylaxis with racing heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness and confusion among other symptoms.

Allergies and Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the Lung system is affected by allergies. The Lung refers to a complex system instead of simply the physical lungs. The Lung meridian is also involved. The complexity of the Lung system is shown in the animation below.

 

 

Allergies and Herbal Formulas

In Chinese medicine, allergies are considered a result of weakening in one’s protective energies. Chinese herbal medicines are used to strengthen the immune system. Consequently, it does not simply suppress allergy symptoms, but works to correct the underlying cause of allergies. Herbal formulas are often the only treatment used, although some benefit from a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture.

An allergy and asthma patient who has been treated with Chinese herbs and acupuncture discusses his progress below.

 

 

Chinese Medicine in Louisville

Jeffrey Russell is a practitioner of herbal medicine and acupuncture in Louisville. He has had great success in treating allergies and asthma. All natural medicine for both issues is available at his clinic. For people with exceedingly difficult to treat cases, with a consult he can formulate a custom medicine in his on site pharmacy.