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Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy

Show Notes

Did you know Allergies are one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world? 🌎

Over 25% of adults in North America have seasonal allergies! That number is much higher in children.

In today’s show, I will dive into the Western and Chinese medicine views on allergies, symptoms, and types of allergies. And of course, I’ll share the Chinese medicine treatments for each allergy category, including allergic rhinitis commonly known as hay fever!

I share a personal story and then discuss the BEST acupuncture points for all types of allergies, as well as diet and other TCM tools at our disposition!

Common allergy triggers include:

1. Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
2. Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
3. Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp.
4. Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics.
5. Latex or other substances you touch can cause allergic skin reactions.

Allergies in Chinese Medicine 🤧

1- Environmental Allergies 🏞️

1. Environmental allergies such as cat dander, pollen, ragweed, mold, or dust. Symptoms can lead to a runny nose, swollen itchy, and watery eyes, cough, congested nose, and headaches.

“Jade Windscreen Formula – Yu Ping Feng San”. This herbal formula is primarily known for its immune-enhancing properties and is commonly used for the prevention of respiratory infections and allergies.

The key ingredients in Yu Ping Feng San include:

1. Huang Qi (黄芪) – Astragalus Root
2. Bai Zhu (白术) – White Atractylodes
3. Fang Feng (防风) – Ledebouriella Root

The combination of these herbs in Yu Ping Feng San aims to strengthen the body’s defensive Qi, create a protective barrier against external pathogens, and support overall immune function. It is commonly used in TCM to help prevent conditions related to weakened immunity, such as recurrent respiratory infections and allergies

Food allergies and food sensitivities are two distinct types of adverse reactions to certain foods, and they involve different mechanisms in the body.

2- Food Allergies 🌰

1. Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms (such as wheezing or difficulty breathing), and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction.
2. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.

3- Food Sensitivities 🥛

1. Symptoms of food sensitivities are often less acute and may include gastrointestinal issues (such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea), headaches, joint pain, fatigue, and skin issues.
2. Food sensitivities to common allergens like wheat, peanuts, nuts, dairy, shellfish, soy, chocolate, and strawberries.

4- Anaphylactic allergies 🥜

Food, medication (penicillin), or insect bites are a KD Essence Deficiency and cannot be changed according to TCM. Patients need to go to the hospital and always carry an EpiPen.

5- Insect bites 🦟

Symptoms: significant swelling at the site of the sting, itchy skin, shortness of breath, hives, or a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body.

6- Dermatitis 🪙

Latex or substances that come in contact with the skin like nickel allergies in acupuncture needles. This is often more of a dermatitis response.

Disclaimer: The AcuPro Show Podcast and materials shared through AcuPro Academy are designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated materials is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional, nor is it a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice for any existing medical condition with their healthcare professionals regarding any health concerns.

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