Finding Allergy Relief: The power of Traditional Chinese Medicine

I’ve suffered this seasonal misery for over 15 years, with no consistent relief from any treatment – conventional or natural. Until now, with my discovery of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

I tried standard treatment for allergic rhinitis caused by pollen:  antihistamines, nasal sprays, and so forth. But while my allergy flare-ups were controlled with these medications, it was at the cost of a load of nagging side effects—headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, low energy and more.

I also turned to alternative/natural treatments, including acupuncture, homeopathy, and dietary changes. Some helped, some did not. I did find temporary relief with acupuncture, though its effect lasted only two to three days before I needed another session, a time-consuming and expensive solution.

Homeopathy simply meant my symptoms occurred in the middle of winter! I was told that I needed to start the course way before allergy season starts, and although the homeopathy doctor adjusted the dose and tried changing the medication, I was sniffing when trees were still dormant!

Making some changes in my diet have been helpful, but did not provide complete relief.  Eliminating dairy, wheat and corn made a huge difference to the severity of my allergic symptoms, but I still needed medication to control symptoms.  It makes sense that reducing dairy and wheat – especially the former —should alleviate allergy symptoms, as these foods tend to produce mucus.

I have been told that there is no cure for allergies, so finding the treatment that best suits your allergy, your lifestyle, and your wallet is very important.

Well, I think I found mine! This spring, for the first time in 15 years, I was allergy- free and able to welcome its arrival rather than dread it.

In April, as I sat sneezing and sniffling, waiting for a massage appointment, the woman sitting next to me, a flight attendant, suggested I visit her Chinese doctor, who she said was the only doctor to successfully treated her allergies.

I visited the doctor the same day and left his office with 10 tiny bags of specially prepared herbs, which I was to take as a tea for 10 days. After the second day of taking the tea, I was symptom free!  I continued taking the tea for the 10 prescribed days.  At his suggestion, I returned after allergy season was over so that we could focus on getting my immune system to work properly by restoring balance in my digestive and respiratory system thorough another specially tailored herbal therapy.  I am taking that herbal therapy now, and I’ll update you on the effects of that treatment as well.

Hoping my experience with TCM brings you relief from allergies, I invite you to give it a try and share your own personal experience with me!