Over the last few years, I have noticed that seasonal allergies have been shifting into all-year-long allergies for many folks. For those who are both susceptible and who are only receiving treatment for the symptoms that arise with an allergic reaction, this can be make for very uncomfortable phases all throughout the year.
The most important thing is to get to the root of it...
Allergies are caused by our immune system's over-reaction to substances in the environment. An inflammatory reaction takes place in an attempt to eject this substance from the system, resulting in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are what we, in Eastern Medicine, call the Branches of the disease or disorder. In the case of seasonal allergies, the branches show up as itchy, red eyes, sinus congestion and sneezing, headaches, mucus production, etc.
The Root, however, is a deeper imbalance within the body from which the Branches stem. There are many Roots or disharmonies within our organ systems that set us up to react to the environment in this way. Often, a combination of the Liver, Lung, Kidney and Spleen organ systems are involved. If these organ systems are left untreated, then we may experience relief of the symptoms for a period of time (which can be a great relief) but then they reappear with a new allergen or the return of the spring or fall or whichever seasons we are most effected by.
On the other hand, when the Root is treated, the symptoms are not only relieved, the the immune system is harmonized so the symptoms do not come back year after year..
One of the downsides to Western Medicine, or with over-the-counter allergy relief, is the sole focus of ameliorating the symptoms, without treating the Root of the disharmony. It is my understanding that long term suppression of symptoms creates more trouble at the Root. What we really want is to receive treatment for both. Yes.. we want relief from the very uncomfortable symptoms of an allergic reaction and we want the deeper, root cause of the allergy to be addressed, healed and cured.
It is time for a Root Treatment...
One of my teachers, Dr. Kerong Xie, passed on to me the Root Treatment for seasonal allergies from her lineage of teachers. The Root Treatment is administered during the warmest time of year - August and September - and utilized a warming technique of Moxa and acupuncture. The Root Treatment is best performed when you are not experiencing allergic symptoms. During these summertime treatments, we get at the Root by tonifying the organ systems involved in your particular and very unique presentation.
Set yourself up for a year of success...
Schedule 2-4 treatments within the months of August and September…
