Seasonal Allergies-A TCM Perspective
By Tian Li, L.AC
Seasonal allergies, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, are not viewed as an isolated immune overreaction or a simple sensitivity to pollen, dust, or mold. Instead, they are understood as a reflection of the body’s relationship with its environment and the balance—or imbalance—of internal systems that govern protection, circulation, and adaptation to seasonal change. Where modern medicine often asks, “What is the allergen?” Chinese medicine asks a different question: “Why is this person vulnerable right now?”
At the heart of traditional Chinese medicine is the idea that the human body is a microcosm of the natural world. Just as seasons shift from spring to summer, autumn to winter, so too does the body continuously adjust its internal rhythms. Seasonal allergies most commonly arise during periods of transition, particularly spring and autumn, when wind is prevalent and environmental change is rapid. In Chinese medicine, wind is considered the spearhead of a hundred diseases. It is light, mobile, and penetrating, capable of entering the body quickly and carrying other pathogenic influences such as cold, heat, or dampness along with it. Sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sudden nasal congestion all mirror the restless, moving nature of wind.
However, wind alone does not cause illness. A healthy body with strong defensive energy can encounter wind without consequence. This defensive energy, known as Wei Qi, circulates at the surface of the body, warming the skin, regulating pores, and acting as a barrier against external pathogens. Wei Qi is closely associated with the Lung system, which in Chinese medicine governs respiration, the skin, and the opening and closing of pores. When Lung Qi is strong and abundant, the body adapts smoothly to seasonal changes. When it is weak, the gates are left unguarded.
This is why seasonal allergies are often seen as a manifestation of Lung Qi deficiency. People who catch colds easily, sweat spontaneously, feel short of breath, or have a pale complexion may already show signs of weakened Lung function. When spring winds arrive carrying pollen, the body is unable to mount an effective defense, and symptoms appear. From this viewpoint, the allergic reaction is not an overreaction, but rather a sign of insufficient regulation and resilience.
The Lung does not act alone. In Chinese medicine, it has an intimate relationship with the Spleen, the system responsible for digestion, transformation of food into energy, and the production of Qi and blood. If the Spleen is weak, it cannot adequately generate the raw materials needed to support Lung Qi and Wei Qi. This often leads to the accumulation of dampness, a heavy, turbid pathogenic factor that can manifest as thick nasal discharge, sinus congestion, and a foggy head. Many people with chronic allergies experience digestive symptoms alongside respiratory ones, such as bloating, loose stools, or fatigue after eating. This is not coincidental but a sign that the root of the problem lies deeper than the nose.
Seasonal allergies may also involve heat, particularly when symptoms include red, itchy eyes, a sore throat, yellow mucus, or irritability. In spring, the Liver system becomes especially active, as this season corresponds to growth, movement, and expansion. If Liver Qi becomes constrained, due to stress, emotional tension, or lack of movement, it can transform into heat and rise upward, aggravating the eyes and sinuses. This is why emotional stress often worsens allergy symptoms and why flare-ups can feel more intense during times of frustration or upheaval.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, each individual’s allergy pattern is unique. Two people may react to the same pollen, yet one experiences clear, watery discharge and chills, while the other suffers from thick mucus, sinus pressure, and burning eyes. These differences matter deeply, as treatment is based not on the allergen itself but on the underlying pattern of imbalance. The goal is not merely to suppress symptoms but to restore harmony so the body can once again interact with the environment without distress.
Prevention plays a central role in this approach. Rather than waiting for allergy season to arrive, Chinese medicine emphasizes strengthening the body during the months when symptoms are absent. Late summer and early autumn, for example, are ideal times to support the Spleen and Lung through diet, lifestyle, and herbal therapy. Warm, cooked foods are favored over cold and raw ones, as they support digestion and prevent dampness from forming. Gentle breathing exercises, such as Qigong or Tai Chi, nourish Lung Qi and improve circulation at the surface of the body. Adequate rest and stress management help ensure that Liver Qi flows smoothly rather than becoming stagnant and reactive.
When symptoms do arise, treatment focuses on both expelling the invading pathogenic factor and supporting the body’s internal strength. Acupuncture may be used to release wind, open the nasal passages, and regulate the Lung and Spleen systems. Herbal formulas are carefully chosen and adjusted based on the person’s presentation, often evolving as the season progresses or symptoms change. Unlike a one-size-fits-all antihistamine, these formulas are dynamic, reflecting the fluid nature of the body and its environment.
Herbal Recommendations usually include Bi Min Kan Wan and Sang Ju Yin. Acupuncture Treatment typically involves Ying Xiang, He Gu, and Moxa at Zhong Wan. For home Care, it is wise to wear a scarf and hat if your nose is cold to touch. Keep your hands and feet warm at all times. Soak your feet in a Pei Lan Bath foot bath.
For dietary advice, eat a warm breakfast before 9:00 am with ginger tea. Avoid cold water, cold beverages, sushi, and cold salads.
Perhaps one of the most profound differences between the traditional Chinese medicine view and the modern biomedical model lies in the understanding of chronicity. Recurrent seasonal allergies are not seen as an inevitable genetic fate but as a signal that the body has not fully recovered its balance between episodes. Each allergic season leaves a subtle imprint, and without proper support, the underlying deficiency deepens. Over time, symptoms may start earlier in the year, last longer, or become more severe. Conversely, with consistent care and attention to the root causes, many people find that their reactions soften, shorten, or disappear altogether.
In this way, seasonal allergies become more than a nuisance to be endured; they become a form of communication. The sneezing, congestion, and itching are messages about the state of the body’s defenses, digestion, and emotional flow. Traditional Chinese medicine listens closely to these messages, not to silence them, but to understand what they reveal about the individual as a whole.
Ultimately, the Chinese medicine perspective invites a shift in mindset. Rather than waging war against pollen or blaming the immune system for overreacting, it encourages a relationship with the seasons that is attentive and responsive. Just as nature adapts to change through balance and timing, so too can the human body. When internal harmony is restored, the winds of spring no longer feel like an attack, but simply another expression of the world in motion.
The best way to manage seasonal allergies is to schedule a consultation with your acupuncturist to receive a personalized treatment plan.