Are you ready for the Fall Season?

18 Aug Are you ready for the Fall Season?

Seasonal allergies are caused by a hypersensitive immune system. Some people genetically are susceptible to allergen, mostly due to constitutional weakness. But some others start allergy later in life, caused by progressive decline in Lung-Qi, part of the body’s defense system.

Seasonal allergies are caused by a hypersensitive immune system. Some people genetically are susceptible to allergen, mostly due to constitutional weakness. But some others start allergy later in life, caused by progressive decline in Lung-Qi, part of the body’s defense system.

Acupuncture and herbs are very effective in treating seasonal allergy. During allergy season or an acute episode, we use acupuncture and herbs to reduce symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, cough or asthma, and control minor sinus infection or bronchitis.

After acute phase, we work on the root cause of this problem, which is a unique approach of Chinese Medicine. Common treatment includes: builds constitution, strengthen Lung-Qi, disperse wind-heat (allergen) and rebalance Ying and Yang. This goal can be achieved by having acupuncture treatment on a regular basis, or starting treatment a couple of months before allergy season. Many herbs are available on the market, including single herbs, prepared formula in pill, capsule or powder form. In my office, I offer customized formulas based on each individual condition.

ARE YOU prepared FOR THE Spring SEASON?

The weather is getting warmer, and flowers start blooming, it is so exciting to see life after the long cold winter. Spring has arrived.

Spring is the season associated with the wood element in Chinese Medicine. Energy tends to move faster, goes outward more; opposite from fall season. Emotionally, this is the season associated with anxiety, irritability, depression and anger. Physically Spring corresponds to the liver and gall bladder, and master of heart.

In the spring, the body is particularly susceptible to pollen and rising energy causes allergy symptoms. Rising energy related symptoms certainly make pre-existing conditions worsen, for example:

• Nasal and Sinus problems: running nose, sneeze, short of breath or asthma or sinus infection. Acupuncture is very effective to sinus congestion and infection.
• Other Allergy symptoms: eyes burn, itchy skin, rashes etc.
• Anxiety, anger, or depression.
• Worsened ADHD.
• Rising blood pressure.
• Worsened headache and insomnia.
• Worsened joints pain and muscle stillness.

How to deal with these changes?

• Several acupuncture sessions to pacify Liver Qi, regulate balance between Wood-earth, control blood pressure, headache and insomnia.
• Treating allergy symptoms with combining acupuncture and herbs.
• Regulate emotion changes with acupuncture and herbs, good result.
• 3-6 sessions of acupuncture to manage joints pain and muscle pain.
• Gentle aerobic exercise to keep energy moving.
• Avoid taking stimulus, such as too much coffee, energy drink or spicy food.
• Diet: a lot of vegetables and fruits, less high calorie food.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE FALL SEASON?

The weather is cool and crisp. The sun is beginning to set earlier. The leaves are changing color. Fall has arrived.

Fall is the season associated with the metal element in Chinese Medicine. Energy tends to move slower, goes inward more and starts to store for winter. Emotionally, this is the season associated with grief and sadness. Physically Fall corresponds to the lungs, skin, and large intestine.

In the Fall, the body is particularly susceptible to wind and cold, which causes dryness and flair-up of arthritis and/or chronic pain.

Because of all these changes, people may experience the following symptoms, or pre-existing conditions get worse:

• Respiratory system: cough, short of breath or asthma.
• Digestive problems: indigestion, IBS, constipation.
• Depression, sadness, grief or generally feel low.
• Frequently get cold or sinus infection.
• Skin problem: like eczema, hives.
• Dryness of skin, throat, mouth or hair.
• Worsened joints pain and muscle stillness.

How to deal with these changes?

• Several acupuncture sessions to promote Lung Qi, increase energy movement and support respiratory and digestive system.
• Treat chronic cough with combining acupuncture and herbs & food,
• 3-6 sessions of acupuncture to manage joints pain and muscle pain.
• Take herbs to nourish lung, large intestine as well as skin. Some Chinese herbal formulas are designed for fall season.
• Have more soup, cooked vegetables, less raw food and salad. Eat some food that supports metal energy, like pear, apple, squash, mushroom etc.
• Gentle aerobic exercise to keep energy moving and balance fall sluggishness.

Keep hydrated to help the dryness.