Famously, Mary Poppins tells the children: “I’ll leave when the wind changes.” Well, folks, the wind has changed. As we bid farewell to Mary, we buckle down against the wind and rains of the fall.
Autumn, from the 5-Elements story within the TCM perspective, relates to the Metal Element, the Lung energy system, and to Dryness. The Lung is said to despise Dryness, so, for the first month or so of fall here in Southern BC, it was a struggle. Record low precipitation numbers, combined with unseasonably high temperatures, and smoke from a variety of local wildfires created a perfect storm for dry coughs, hay fevers, dry skin, hives, red sclera of the eyes, and asthma symptoms.
Let’s talk about seasonal allergies. When the immune system becomes hyper-sensitive to otherwise innocuous external stimuli, we exhibit symptoms of seasonal allergies. Why is the immune system overreacting in this way? Why do some people’s immune systems cascade into a full histamine reaction while others’ are able to take no notice of the same triggering pathogen? In TCM, we see the external manifestations of the allergic response as an Excess Pattern, meaning that, during an active allergic response, the treatment protocol is to clear the body of this invading external Excess. In all cases, however, we must consider an underlying Deficiency Pattern, a weakened energy system that makes us susceptible to aforementioned otherwise innocuous external triggers. Conventional treatment of allergies during a bout is medication meant to slow or turn off this histamine response, effectively and quickly calming symptoms. This Band-Aid approach, as effective as it is, doesn’t address the underlying cause, so we are repeatedly returning to the medicine cabinet to suppress ongoing symptoms.
Where is this Deficiency Pattern, and how can TCM address it? Within the Lung Energy system is said to reside what is termed Wei Qi, loosely translated as Defensive Energy. Wei Qi is said to circulate on the exterior of the skin and has a function of controlling the opening and closing of the pores. Weak Wei Qi causes the pores to open easily or stay open flaccidly, allowing for the easy penetration of Evil Qi (external pathogenic factors, viruses, allergens, etc.) into the body via the skin. Strong Wei Qi will detect potential environmental factors, termed External Wind in TCM, and will cause the pores to squeeze shut, disallowing their penetration past the skin level. Think goosebumps in a chill wind.
The Pattern of Deficiency of Wei Qi is addressed by TCM with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal remedies to bring Qi to the Lung Energy system via its mother organ system, the Spleen. The Spleen Qi system can be thought of as all the functions of the digestive system. In health, the Spleen effectively extracts Pure Qi from the food we consume, sending it upward to provide energy to the Lung Energy system. When the Spleen Qi is weak, it fails in its function to assimilate Food Qi, resulting in, among other issues, weak Wei Qi. It is said in TCM that to “Strengthen the Son, Tonify the Mother”. We work to fortify the Spleen Qi to bring strength to the Lung and Wei Qi. Often patients will also see an overall improvement in digestive issues during this process, as well as a lift in energy. Over time, as Wei Qi increases in strength, we see a progressive reduction in the severity and frequency of allergy symptoms.
If you’re someone who often takes antihistamine medications to function, what are you doing to shore up the underlying Deficiency at the root?
The TCM herbal formula Yu Ping Feng San is understood as a Wei Qi tonic. It addresses strengthening the Spleen and helps it send Food Qi up to the Lung using only 3 herbs. This formula is often added into a larger formula individualized for a specific patient presentation. It can also be taken on its own and is a formula I carry regularly at the clinic in tincture form.
For those readers who have had the pleasure of drinking TCM herbal teas, I’ll leave you with another famous Poppins quote: “Just a spoonful of sugar {think sub-honey or maple syrup} makes the medicine go down, in the most delightful way!” Enjoy!
Please note that any advice in this article doesn’t replace personalized medical advice from a professional.
If you would like to find out what treatments will be appropriate for your allergies, send an email to info@evolvevancouver.ca to book an appointment with Dr. Peter Wood, our Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) and Registered Acupuncturist (RAc)