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Allergies

Treating Allergies with Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

By Dr. Yi Nan Wang

At Eastern Medicine Center, We see patients with a variety of allergy‑related concerns and offer acupuncture and herbal support tailored to each individual. Our approach focuses on treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. The results of our treatments have been very effective.

Acupuncture Plays a Vital Role in Treating Allergies

Acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free approach to allergy management by enhancing the body’s immune system, reducing inflammation, and regulating the flow of Qi Which to help remove the accumulation of the toxins in the body.  By treating both symptoms and underlying imbalances, acupuncture promotes holistic well-being which are:

Immune Regulation

Practitioners believe that acupuncture may influence the body’s natural responses; research is ongoing.

Reducing Inflammation

It may lower pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-4, TNF-α), reducing symptoms like nasal congestion, itching, and rashes.

Clearing Heat & Dampness

Acupuncture addresses internal imbalances often linked to allergies, promoting toxin and moisture elimination.

Regulating Qi Flow & Yin-Yang Balance

By unblocking Qi stagnation and balancing Yin and Yang, acupuncture enhances resilience against allergens, particularly in respiratory and digestive-related allergic conditions.

Supporting Gut Health

Since about 60% of allergies are related to gut function, acupuncture and TCM treatments also focus on supporting digestive health to improve overall immune response.

Common Acupoints for Allergies

  • LI4 (Hegu): Clears Wind and Heat; relieves headaches, nasal congestion, and itching.
  • LU7 (Lieque): Boosts immunity, clears Wind, and alleviates respiratory allergy symptoms.
  • ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens immunity, improves digestion, and balances Qi.
  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Resolves Dampness and balances Spleen and Stomach functions.

Acupuncture Treatment Frequency and Duration

Depending on everyone’s condition and response, Acupuncture is typically administered 1–2 times per week in combination with herbal medicine. The treatment cycle may range from 1 to 6 months, as treatments retrain the immune system and restore overall balance.

Herbal Formula for Allergy Relief -Allergy Ease

Allergy Ease from Sol Nutrition is a groundbreaking herbal formula that combines the clinically proven herbs known for their strong anti-bacteria, anti-allergy and anti-viral, such as Perilla Leaf, Huo Xiang and Forsythia,  these herbs are power up the effectiveness of the formula, we have used in our clinic to almost 30 years.

Clinically Proven Benefits:

  • Can provide relief from: food, seasonal, & pet allergies
  • May help combat sneezing, runny nose & itchy throat & eyes
  • May help regulate antibody response to minimize histamine release and allergic reactions
  • May aid in modulating itchy skin due to an allergic reaction
  • May help reduce excess IgE antibodies that trigger allergic reactions to food, pets, and seasonal allergens
  • Pairs well with Immune Defense to build a strong immune system due to any allergies
  • Pairs well with Belly Reset for any gut allergy issues
Sol Nutrition Allergy Ease

Dietary Considerations in TCM for Allergies

  • Avoid Damp and Cold Foods: Dairy, greasy, or cold foods can exacerbate Dampness and mucus production.
  • Warm and Spicy Foods: Ginger, garlic, and onions are recommended to expel Wind and Heat, reducing allergic reactions.
  • Anti-inflammatory Foods: Foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens, berries, and Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon or walnuts can help reduce inflammation.
  • Support Immune Function: Goji berries, mushrooms (shiitake, reishi), and red dates are helpful for nourishing the body’s energy and enhancing immune function.
Dietary Restrictions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy, it is recommended to avoid the following foods to reduce the risk of allergic reactions:

  • Shellfish: Includes shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, oysters, mussels, octopus, squid, etc.
  • Dairy Products: May worsen sinus congestion and mucus buildup.
  • Wheat and Gluten: May exacerbate inflammation and allergic reactions.
  • Excessively Sweet Foods: May create Dampness and worsen respiratory issues.

References

  1. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, by Dan Bensky, Andrew Gamble, and Ted Kaptchuk (Third Edition).
  2. The Web of Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine & Its Role in Modern Healthcare
  3. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2021). “Traditional Chinese Medicine.”
  4. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (20th Edition).
  5. Dong, Z., et al. (2017). Forsythiae Fructus: A Review on its Phytochemistry, Quality Control, and Pharmacological Activities. Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6151565/
  6. Guo, X., et al. (2021). The Chinese herbal formula Huoxiang Zhengqi for atopic dermatitis with Dampness pattern: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Trials. Retrieved from https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-020-05014-6
  7. Banno, N., et al. (2004). Triterpene Acids from the Leaves of Perilla frutescens and Their Anti-inflammatory and Antitumor-promoting Effects. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 68(1), 85-90. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.68.85
  8. Gao, M., et al. (2022). Modulatory Effects of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid on Gut Microbiome and Immuno-Microenvironment in Gastroenteritis. Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved 
  9. Meandqi.com. (n.d.). Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaves) in Chinese Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/perilla-leaves
  10. American Dragon Herbs. (n.d.). Zi Su Ye – 紫苏叶 – Perilla Leaf. Retrieved from https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ZiSuYe.html
  11. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). “Shellfish Allergy.” Retrieved from https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergy/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/shellfishFoodAllergy.org
  12. Mayo Clinic. “Shellfish Allergy – Symptoms and Causes.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shellfish-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20377503Mayo Clinic
  13. Cleveland Clinic. “Shellfish Allergy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11319-allergies-shellfishCleveland Clinic
  14. Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP). “Prevalence of Food Allergies.” Retrieved from https://farrp.unl.edu/farrp-resources/general-information-food-allergies-sensitivities/prevalence-food-allergies
  15. Yang, L., et al. (2021). “A Review of the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Atractylodes macrocephala.” Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8595830/
  16. Liu, C., et al. (2022). “The Chemistry and Efficacy Benefits of Polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala.” Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.952061/full
  17. Choi, N. R., et al. (2024). “Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala on Gastric Cancer.” Nutrients. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/7/965
  18. Wang, J. B., et al. (2025). “Pharmacological Properties of Atractylodes macrocephala.” Frontiers in Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FMH.2026.9420089
  19. Liu, C., et al. (2022). “The Chemistry and Efficacy Benefits of Polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala.” Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.952061/full