Hay fever is a well-known plague - but few people realise that, from a TCM perspective, very different organs are involved in the body's reaction.
It's allergy high season at the nuwa practice in Baar: as soon as the pollen flies, many people suffer from hay fever. Many of the patients who seek treatment in Spring come with the typical symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and headaches.
Many sufferers resort to medication, which alleviates the symptoms but often has undesirable side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a slightly different view of allergies. It is a natural treatment method that effectively treats both the symptoms and the underlying causes.
"We see allergies as a disorder of the immune system," explains Dr Ji from the nuwa practice in Baar, "the cause is usually an imbalance in the body, which particularly affects the lungs and spleen." We pause: the spleen is supposed to be responsible for allergies?
Dr Ji smiles, she knows the scepticism: "Yes, of course. If these organs are weakened, they can no longer defend themselves well against external influences such as pollen or dust and an overreaction occurs. "In TCM, these influences are also known as wind and dampness, which penetrate the body and cause phlegm and inflammation. TCM therefore not only treats allergy symptoms, but also the weakness of the lungs and spleen, which increases susceptibility to allergies.
Dr Ji places a dozen acupuncture needles with a practiced hand after she has made a detailed diagnosis. Each of the fine punctures specifically stimulates the bodily functions of the lungs and spleen: "This is where the body's energy 'Qi' flows," she explains as she points to the body parts, "by puncturing here, we can improve and harmonise the energy flow. The punctures are slightly noticeable in the patient's body as a tingling sensation, but do not cause any pain.
A complete treatment cycle of around 10 to 12 sessions can significantly reduce the symptoms: The nasal and sinus cavities open up, eye irritation decreases and inflammation is reduced.
Does this make TCM a panacea for optimising the body? "No," waves Dr Ji away, "diet also plays a major role. Some foods put a strain on the spleen, such as sweets or fatty foods." Other foods can support the lungs and the immune system, such as citrus fruits, carrots, spinach or salmon, which are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene or magnesium.
Emotions can also have an influence, as stress, worry, anger or sadness can disrupt the Qi and weaken the body's defences. Acupuncture can also help to find calm and focus here.
And a tip for the coming pollen season? "It's worth starting acupuncture treatment early, before the pollen count starts," concludes Dr Ji, "then we can build up organ function well and prevent severe symptoms."
nuwa offers treatments for allergy sufferers at twelve locations in Switzerland, including Bern, Solothurn, Biel, Basel-Landschaft and Baar. For more information, visit www.nuwa.swiss or book an appointment for a consultation.