With Spring comes renewed excitement and energy. The cold temperatures give way to warmth, chirping birds, green grass, wind, and … allergies. Coming out of the cold and flu season of the winter months, we enter another assault on our sinuses. But you are lucky, for you have discovered acupuncture! For those of us who practice Chinese medicine, treating allergies is a walk in the park, so to speak. It’s something we treat regularly, and treat very well. Let me explain.

In Chinese medicine, we understand the body a little differently. Everything breaks down to Qi, and Qi breaks down into different types. There are different types of Qi in the body, and there are different types of Qi in the environment. One of the most important in the body is Wei Qi, or Defensive Qi. This is the Qi that protects us from the environment, and is the defense our bodies put up to help prevent disease.

With Spring comes wind, and wind is considered one of the primarily causative factors of disease. Wind is the predominant Qi of Spring, and thus Wei Qi strength is of utmost importance this time of year. So much in our daily lives can wreak havoc on our bodies, from stress and overworking, to poor sleep and unhealthy diet. Even a sedentary lifestyle can weaken our defenses.

Through the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, we can strengthen that Wei Qi to help prevent wind from invading our bodies and causing sneezing, itchy watery eyes, dry scratchy throat, runny nose, congestion, and more. However, it isn’t just strengthening the Wei Qi that is important, but tuning our bodies into the season and bringing us in harmony with the environment. If you’re still stuck in winter mode and the weather outside is a lovely 64 degrees and breezy, you aren’t going to be prepared for what the environment has in store for you.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are the most effective way to strengthen your Wei Qi, but there a few simple things you can do to maintain those health benefits. Here are some things you can do at home to strengthen your Wei Qi:

1. Eat a healthy diet. This is so vitally important for every aspect of health. From a Chinese medical standpoint, you should focus on warm, cooked foods. If you need a more in depth help with diet and nutrition, consider scheduling an appointment for a nutritional consult.

2. Get enough sleep. Start a bedtime ritual of something you find relaxing. By doing this before bed every night, you not only decrease your stress and make falling asleep easier, you also train your mind and body that it’s time to wind down. Try to get to bed by 11pm, and make sure there are no breezes or drafts in the room where you sleep (remember, wind invades!)

3. Drink plenty of water – just hold the ice. Consuming cold beverages depletes Qi because it takes a lot of energy for your body to warm it up. It’s best to stick with room temperature water, and enough of it to make your urine a pale yellow.

4. Exercise. Moving your body moves qi, and helps keep it circulating properly. If your qi stays in top form, it can mount a proper defense for you.

So there you have it – get regular acupuncture, take your herbs, treat yourself well, and get ready to welcome spring with open arms and clear sinuses.