Traditional Chinese Medicine
Allergies
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In internal medicine, common allergies include allergic rhinitis or skin allergies. Allergic rhinitis, according to TCM, belongs to the category of "wind-cold," "nasal congestion," "nasal obstruction," etc. Clinically, allergies are present by sneezing, large amounts of clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, genetic factors, and non-specific stimuli such as cold and temperature changes also causes allergies.
TCM Allergy Types:
1. Wind-Cold attacks on the lungs: Nasal congestion worsens with cold exposure, sneezing, hoarse voice, clear and copious nasal discharge, aversion to cold, fever, headache, body aches, mild congestion of nasal mucosa, and severe swelling.
2. Wind-heat invading the lungs: Nasal congestion, loud sneezing, thick and sticky nasal discharge, pale or slightly yellow in color, fever, slight aversion to cold, slight thirst, obvious congestion of nasal mucosa.
3. Lung deficiency and evil lodged: Nasal congestion is often intermittent, sometimes mild and sometimes severe, nasal itching upon waking in the morning, bouts of sneezing, white and watery nasal discharge, worsened by cold exposure.
4. Qi stagnation and blood stasis: Nasal congestion is often persistent, with fewer sneezing episodes, thick and sticky nasal discharge, pale or with fresh blood, difficult to clear, and dull sense of smell.
TCM Treatment:
Aside from herbal decoctions, treatment could involve acupuncture, or applying "SangFu Teh" which is one kind of acupuncture application during different seasons.
Daily reminders:
To avoid allergy attacks, remember to keep warm and encourage natural airflow in your space. Avoid pollen, animal fur, or dust mites, and avoid consuming cold beverages, spicy or stimulating foods, and maintain exercise and sufficient sleep.