Hay Feveraccording to TCM
Symptom families: Allergy related conditions and symptoms, Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms, Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Rhinitis
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This condition is characterized by symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose, often accompanied by itchy, watery eyes. While not life-threatening, hay fever can significantly impair quality of life, disrupting sleep, and daily activities. The condition varies in severity and can be seasonal, depending on the presence of specific allergens.
How Does TCM View Hay Fever?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hay fever is seen as a manifestation of imbalances within the body, particularly due to the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, along with underlying weaknesses in the body's Defensive Qi. TCM doesn't just address the symptoms but seeks to identify the root cause of the disharmony, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of imbalance. This holistic approach allows for treatments that aim to restore the body's natural balance and strengthen its resistance to external pathogens.
Causes of Hay Fever According to TCM
In TCM, the onset of hay fever is primarily attributed to the invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, coupled with an inherent weakness in the body's protective Qi. Wind-Cold patterns are characterized by symptoms like clear nasal discharge and sneezing, while Wind-Heat patterns may present with yellowish nasal discharge and a sensation of warmth.
An underlying Qi Deficiency, particularly of the Lung and Spleen, can leave the body vulnerable to these external invasions, highlighting the necessity of a treatment approach that both expels pathogenic factors and nurtures the body's vital energy.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hay Fever
To combat hay fever, TCM recommends a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to address both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances. For patterns of Wind-Cold invasion, formulas such as Ge Gen Tang and Gui Zhi Tang are used to expel the cold and harmonize the body's Qi. In cases of Qi Deficiency, Bu Fei Tang and Yu Ping Feng San can help to strengthen the Lung Qi and bolster the body's defenses.
Additionally, Cang Er Zi San and Xin Yi San are effective in dredging and dispersing External Wind, directly targeting nasal symptoms. These treatments exemplify TCM's multifaceted approach, aiming not only to alleviate immediate discomfort but also to prevent future occurrences by restoring and maintaining the body's harmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hay fever, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Hay fever can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for hay fever
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ge Gen Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
| Gui Zhi Tang | Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
| Ma Huang Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Acupoints for Hay Fever
TCM acupuncture offers additional relief for hay fever by targeting specific acupoints known to benefit nasal symptoms and overall well-being. Points such as Shangxing DU-23 and Shenting DU-24 are selected for their ability to clear the nasal passages and calm the mind. Hegu LI-4 and Yingxiang LI-20 are crucial for expelling Exterior Wind and opening the nose, offering symptomatic relief.
Furthermore, Fengmen BL-12 strengthens the body's resistance against pathogenic Wind, supporting the treatment's efficacy. Stimulating these acupoints can enhance the effectiveness of herbal treatments, providing a comprehensive strategy to manage and mitigate the symptoms of hay fever effectively.
Explore below some acupoints used to address hay fever, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Bladder Channel
Shenzhu DU-12
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).
Shangxing DU-23
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
TCM Herbs for Hay Fever
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hay fever, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hay fever can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hay fever, like Cang Er Zi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for hay fever
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Cang Er Zi San | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Xin Yi San |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ma Huang Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang |