Raise your hand if you’re prone to a sniffly, congested nose or red, itchy eyes when the trees start budding every Spring. It may be helpful to know you’re not alone. In the United States, over 60 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis and 30% of the population has experienced allergic conjunctivitis due to pollen exposure. These numbers have been steadily increasing as the world undergoes a change in climate patterns, consequentially making an impact on pollen production. Couple this with the recent discovery that most OTC decongestants don’t really work, and you have quite a large problem needing a solution.

When the body meets an allergen like pollen, the immune system mistakes it as a foreign invader and releases chemicals, also known as histamine, meant to protect the nose and eyes. Unfortunately, histamine is the culprit of our stuffy noses and itchy eyes. 

So why do some people experience allergies while others are seemingly fine?

The answer is complicated but ultimately involves what Chinese medicine practitioners call the “wei qi” (pronounced way-chee). Modern-day practitioners equate the concept of wei qi to the biomedical view of our innate immune system. If we have a strong wei qi (immune system) our body can effectively and appropriately respond to foreign pathogens. The wei qi may need strengthening if you have seasonal allergies, frequently catch colds or experience spontaneous sweating.

Now that we’ve made it to the Spring Equinox, it’s the optimal time to begin strengthening the body’s wei qi. The temperature’s beginning to warm, the birds are chirping, and the sun is out later with every passing day. It may be tempting to ditch our coats, grab an iced coffee and head outside, but there are a few ways we can protect our wei qi by staying in balance:

• Start your morning with a walk outside, but make sure to keep your neck covered. The springtime brings gusts of wind which opens our immune system to foreign pathogens. Wearing a scarf is highly recommended.

• Eat vegetables and light proteins stir-fried with scallions, ginger and/or garlic. These three kitchen herbs are perfect for Spring because they’re warming but also enable our body’s qi and blood to circulate freely.

• Start that new project/hobby/endeavor you’ve been thinking about all winter. Spring is the time of rebirth, making it optimal for “new beginnings.” Our minds are fully connected to our bodies, so when we have a healthy mind, we have a healthy body.

• Avoid cold or iced beverages to keep your digestive fire burning. When cold foods/beverages are repeatedly consumed, our digestive system must use energy to heat them back up. Overtime, this overburdens our system and can create sluggish digestion. Since 70% of our immune system is located in the gut, strengthening our wei qi starts here.

• Prevent your seasonal allergy symptoms from emerging/worsening by scheduling regular acupuncture treatments. Depending on your specific symptoms and overall constitution, we’ll formulate a plan to keep you healthy through this transitional season.

Spring in New England is meant to be savored. Keep yourself healthy so you can fully enjoy it. If you have any questions about strengthening your wei qi/immune system, give us a call or ask your practitioner.