Spring has arrived (finally), and for many people intense allergy symptoms have descended with a vengeance. When the immune system is functioning properly, the body should not experience these symptoms or illness. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the immune system consists of two parts, the external system and the internal system. The external aspect of the immune system involves the body’s natural ability to ward off external pathogens, or disease factors, that can cause allergies, colds, flu and sinus problems.
Let’s focus on the external aspect, from a TCM perspective, which is a superficial defense energy called “wei qi”. Wei qi is like a shield that surrounds the body, located in the layers of the muscle and skin. This energy controls the opening and closing of the pores.
Wei qi is nourished by the air that we breathe and the foods that we eat. Air quality and diet can directly affect our protective energy. The circulation and activation of wei qi is propelled by the energy of the lungs. Poor lung energy can lead to a poor defense against external pathogens and environmental factors such as wind, cold, heat, dampness or dryness. Since wei qi is controlled by the lungs, which are part of the respiratory system, the nasal passages, throat, mucous membranes and sinuses can be affected by an external invasion of pathogens.
Environmental factors can contribute to the cause of illness. When the body’s wei qi is weak, wind can invade the body. Wind is the primary transporter for most external invasions. The wind can transport other pathogens, such as those found in pollens, cold, hot, damp or dry weather. Typically, wind affects the head and the neck. Common symptoms felt from a wind invasion may include sore neck, tightness in the shoulders, a runny nose with a clear discharge, headache, general overall weakness of the body, and can also include itchiness of the eyes, nose, throat, ears and sneezing.
In response to the invasion the body tightens the muscles in the neck and upper back in attempt to block the wind invasion. This process often leads to achiness in the neck and upper back. The pores may then open to try to sweat out the invader. External pathogens are often purged through sweating. A wind invasion complicated by cold (wind-cold invasion) usually results in chills, a white nasal discharge and an aversion to cold. A wind-heat condition usually results in a fever, yellow nasal discharge and an aversion to heat.
Exterior conditions are usually acute and have a shorter duration then internal conditions. If the external pathogen is not expelled from the body, the illness may move deeper into the body creating conditions such as a sinus infection, bronchitis or an ear infection. As a cold condition moves toward the interior, the cold condition begins to turn into a warm condition, and the body may respond with alternating chills and fever.
This is also a typical disease pattern of the common cold, either from wind-cold or wind-heat. When an external invasion of a pathogen moves to an interior position it can have a greater impact on the body, affecting the body’s interior energy and the interior immune system. If a person’s immunity is really weak, external pathogens can go straight into an interior condition, affecting the body at a deeper level right away.
It is important to understand the difference between exterior and interior conditions. If trying to treat an exterior condition with an interior treatment, one can drive the illness deeper into the body. A qualified acupuncturist will be able to diagnose and treat appropriately with acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
Ultimately, having weak wei qi can lead to an increased susceptibility to allergies or illness. Even if a person’s lungs are physically healthy, they can be taxed energetically by pollens and/or pollutants in the environment, as well as by emotions such as worry, stress and sadness.
Acupuncture is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system and strengthen the wei qi or protective energy. If you are susceptible to allergies, or other respiratory problems, acupuncture may be a very good choice for you. Acupuncture is effective in treating both acute and/or chronic conditions and also works well as a preventative measure. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for strengthening your primary defense against illness.
Come in now so that you can beat the allergies and enjoy the bounty of spring!
– Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts, acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist. “The articles that I write are to educate and provide a further understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine can aid in the treatment of a variety of health conditions and work well in complimenting other medical approaches.”