Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis & Asthma | Acupuncture & TCM in Oberwil BL
Why do respiratory symptoms keep returning?
Nasal discomfort, coughing or wheezing may worsen during the pollen season, appear after exposure to cold, or return each year as the seasons change. Although the symptoms may look similar, their triggers and the body’s responses can differ.
To understand how TCM approaches these problems, imagine this scene: an unfamiliar living organism appears in an aquarium, and we do not yet know what it is. Modern medicine would investigate whether it is a bacterium, a virus or another microorganism. If it were a bacterium, an appropriate antibacterial medicine would be sought.
The TCM perspective can be illustrated differently: even before identifying the unfamiliar organism, one can consider the conditions it needs to survive. Suppose it needs water, air and a suitable temperature. Within the aquarium analogy, one might imagine removing the water, covering the tank to reduce the air supply, or raising the temperature to change those conditions and make further growth more difficult.
Applied to the body, TCM uses individual pattern assessment to consider states such as Cold, Heat and Dampness. Treatment aims to regulate these states, change the conditions in which what TCM calls pathogenic factors develop, and support the body’s return to balance. The aquarium is used here as an analogy to explain the TCM perspective.
People and nature are interconnected
TCM considers people to be connected with nature. Its framework distinguishes Wind, Cold, Summer Heat, Dampness, Dryness and Fire. Changes in season, temperature and humidity can also affect the body’s responses. TCM pattern assessment considers the relationship between these external factors and symptoms, alongside the person’s constitution and overall condition.
Wind-Cold affecting the Lung – Cold obstructs Lung Qi
Coughing, a blocked nose and feeling cold after exposure to cold or wind, with thin, whitish sputum or nasal discharge and worsening in cold conditions, may be described in TCM as Wind-Cold affecting the Lung. Depending on the specific presentation, treatment may aim to disperse Wind and Cold, support the Lung’s dispersing function and ease coughing.
Wind-Heat affecting the Lung – Heat disturbs the dispersing and descending functions of Lung Qi
Throat discomfort, coughing, a dry mouth and sticky or yellowish sputum, sometimes accompanied by fever, may correspond to the TCM pattern of Wind-Heat affecting the Lung. The treatment approach then considers dispersing Wind, clearing Heat and supporting Lung function to ease coughing.
Wind-Dryness affecting the Lung – Dryness interferes with its moistening function
When there is a dry throat, a dry cough with little sputum, or worsening symptoms in dry air, TCM considers whether Dryness is affecting the Lung’s moistening function. Approaches to moisten the Lung and ease coughing are selected according to the situation.
Phlegm-Dampness obstructing the Lung – it affects the movement of Lung Qi
Recurring coughing with plentiful sputum, possibly accompanied by chest tightness or a feeling of bodily heaviness, is often considered in relation to the pattern of Phlegm-Dampness obstructing the Lung. Digestion, diet and physical energy are also taken into account. The approach may focus on transforming Phlegm and Dampness and regulating the Lung and Spleen functional systems.
Lung Qi deficiency with Cold and insufficiently secured surface defence
Some people catch colds repeatedly, are sensitive to wind and cold, and feel short of breath or tired with even mild activity; they may also sweat easily. TCM considers insufficient Lung Qi and a weaker defensive function, then tailors its approach to the person’s constitution and pattern.
These patterns describe the characteristics of the body’s response at a particular time. They do not correspond one-to-one with diagnoses in modern medicine. The same cough can involve different TCM patterns. For the same respiratory problem, the approach may also differ between an active episode and a quieter phase.
Hay fever, allergic rhinitis and recurring cough
Hay fever is not a microorganism infection; it is an allergic reaction to pollen. TCM pattern assessment considers nasal symptoms and other bodily signs, including whether they fit a pattern of Wind affecting the Lung. When symptoms return year after year, the state of Lung Qi and Spleen Qi is also considered more closely.
Coughing also needs to be distinguished by its characteristics. Some people have an itchy throat and a dry cough with little sputum; others have plentiful sputum and chest tightness. In some cases symptoms worsen with cold or seasonal changes. According to the presentation, TCM approaches may support Lung function, disperse Wind, moisten Dryness or transform Phlegm.
For people with asthma, the body’s condition may differ during an attack and during a stable phase. TCM also assesses these phases separately. During symptomatic episodes, it considers coughing, breathing symptoms, Phlegm and signs of Cold or Heat. When symptoms are stable, the person’s constitution guides consideration of the Lung, Spleen and Kidney functional systems.
Acupuncture, Chinese herbs and Tian Jiu
According to the individual’s symptoms and TCM pattern, acupuncture, Chinese herbs or a combination of the two may be selected. The approach considers current discomfort as well as whether symptoms recur, the seasons in which they appear, and environmental factors that worsen them.
Tian Jiu is an external treatment in which herbal preparations are applied to selected acupuncture points. Applications during the summer San Fu days are commonly called San Fu Tian Jiu and reflect the TCM principle of treating winter complaints in summer. Applications during the winter San Jiu days are called San Jiu Tian Jiu; this reflects the TCM principle of treating summer complaints in winter. These applications may form part of seasonal TCM support. Their timing and frequency follow the treatment plan. For recurring respiratory problems that tend to worsen after exposure to cold, the treating practitioner assesses the individual situation and TCM pattern to decide whether Tian Jiu is appropriate. It is not a single treatment used for every person with hay fever or asthma.
TCM and modern medicine can be combined
Modern medicine can help establish a diagnosis, identify allergens or assess the airways, and provide appropriate treatment. TCM draws on the person’s pattern and constitution to select acupuncture, Chinese herbs or Tian Jiu for complementary support. Depending on the individual situation, the two approaches can work together from different perspectives.
Respiratory and allergy support in Oberwil BL
Lily TCM in Oberwil BL offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal support for people experiencing hay fever, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, recurring cough and asthma. If you are looking for natural approaches, acupuncture or complementary TCM support, you are welcome from Binningen, Bottmingen, Therwil, Biel-Benken, Basel, Ettingen and the surrounding area.
Book an appointment at Lily TCM to discuss an individual approach to respiratory symptoms and allergies.