Treating and Preventing The Root Cause and Symptomatic Branches Naturally  

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine.  Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include (but are not limited to): runny nose and/or nasal congestion; red, itchy eyes; sneezing; headaches; and/or dizziness.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, seasonal allergies are considered an invasion of wind with heat or dampness.  The invasion of wind reflects that an external pathogen, such as an allergen, is affecting the body.  If the external pathogen of dampness is also invading, there will be fluid issues such as runny nose and nasal congestion.  If heat invades, symptoms such as red, itchy eyes will occur. This external invasion of wind, heat, and dampness occurs due to a weak defensive layer known as Wei Qi, somewhat similar to what we understand is our immune system. 

    The treatment of seasonal allergies with Chinese herbal medicine focuses on prevention by treating the underlying Wei Qi deficiency that allows for these symptoms to occur. During acute attacks in allergy season, treatments additionally focus on alleviating the symptoms themselves.  

    Fu Ping Feng San is a common herbal formula that is used in the prevention of seasonal allergies.  This simple formula containing Huang Qi (astragalus), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia) and Bai Zhu (atractylodes) should be taken before allergy season starts to strengthen the body’s defensive system thereby preventing acute allergic attacks.  Huang Qi Ren Shen Tang Jia Jian (Modified Astragalus and Ginseng) is also a patent herbal formula that is used for the prevention of allergies when taken six to eight (6-8) weeks before allergy season starts.

    Once allergy symptoms have started, there are various formulas one can take with some common ingredients.  Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia flower) and Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit) relieve allergy symptoms of nasal discharge/obstruction and sneezing by unblocking nasal passages. Bai Zhi (Angelica root) is used to treat headaches, clear discharges, and open the nasal passages.  Other ingredients can also be combined to develop a formula that addresses the specific pattern of symptoms the patient is exhibiting.  These individualized Chinese herbal formulas are used to treat seasonal allergies effectively and safely. Please note that the patient should be monitored consistently by a licensed herbalist during the course of the herbal treatment to ensure quality of care.  

(thank you to Farmer John Mitchell of heirloom harvest CSA for forwarding this recipe to the membership!)

3 cups of cooked white beans

2 Tbs. olive oil, plus some for garnish

1 large sprig of rosemary

1 medium onion, diced

1 Tbs. fresh chili pepper, diced

4 carrots, diced

2 stalks celery ,diced

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 small zucchini, diced

1 pound kale, stemmed, washed and torn into pieces

6 plum tomatoes, diced

6 cups of hot water

1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional- check out http://www.restaurantwidow.com/2006/10/so_just_what_do.html for info)

1?2 cup of FRESH green beans, cut into thirds

1 Tbs. salt, A grinding of pepper, AND 1-1?2 teaspoons of celery salt (CAN ALSO USE coarse salt mixed with ground celery seeds)

Slices of toasted bread

Puree half of the beans and set them aside.

Heat olive oil in large soup pot. Add the onion, chili pepper, carrots and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the all the other vegetables and the rosemary, except for the cooked white beans and green BEANS and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the whole white beans.

Stir in the water and the pureed beans. Add the cheese rind. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25 minutes. Uncover, stir in the green beans and cook for 5 more minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Toast bread, put in bowl and ladle soup over it.

It is a known fact that as we age, our bodies begin to breakdown from all the years of sports, raising children, and creating careers. That wear and tear becomes most evident when we begin to feel pain or discomfort in our joints and bones. This is oftentimes referred to as arthritis: the breakdown of muscle/bone tissue and loss of joint capsule fluid that allows for smooth movement between the articulating surfaces.

Pain medications, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgeries are three of the most common treatments we know are used for the management of arthritis but what about the traditional therapies we have always been curious about but were afraid to ask and try?

Therapeutic Massage therapy is a great way to start relieving the surrounding muscle tissue discomfort. The massage therapist should be state licensed and able to individualize the pressure to your tolerance level during soft, superficial Swedish style massage or deep tissue work.

Acupuncture has started to really come unto its own via Western medical research proving that “after 8 weeks of treatment, pain and joint function were improved more with acupuncture than with minimal acupuncture or no acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.” (Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomised trial; Witt C, et al, Lancet. 2005 Jul 12;366(9480):136-43.) Acupuncture is excellent at affecting any and all joint pain and has been a successful form of international medicine for more than 2000 years.

Herbal Medicine, taken orally or applied topically, can also be incredibly helpful in decreasing inflammation. Herbal medicine can be accomplished within the Western herbal, naturopathic, or Traditional Chinese medicine styles. This is only a safe option when the prescription has been prepared and monitored by a licensed or extensively trained herbalist, and in conjunction with your primary physician. There are so many more treatment options for the management of arthritis pain before the need for surgery becomes inevitable!

All of the practitioners at the Marlborough Wellness Center want to thank each and every one of our clients for their patronage during these tough economic times, as well as reward those who value wellness and preventative health therapies! Starting October 1^st, and running through the month of October, we will be placing each client’s name into a free raffle for a fabulous gift basket that will include a $50 VISA gift card! If you choose to participate, your name will be entered into the raffle each time you come and receive a service from one of the Center’s practitioners. On October 31^st, we will draw a name out of the “lucky fish” bowl and contact you directly to notify you that you have won! There are no limits and no hidden costs! This is just an honest thank you to you from us!

Joyce Clancy, LMT, formerly of Bella Sante in Wellesley, specializes in Swedish relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone massage.

Joyce thoughtfully treats you as a whole being rather than a set of isolated symptoms.  She always treats her clients with intention and listens to the specific needs of each individual for an effective and satisfying treatment. In a world where there are so many overstressed lives, Joyce’s healing touch gives the body the relief and rejuvenation it needs to feel and live better.

Joyce is offering $10.00 off first visits for new clients. So don’t delay taking care of yourself or giving a gift certificate for a loved one for the holidays! Call the Center at 508-460-3399 to make an appointment!

This series was established for educational purposes only so that the community can learn about different complimentary medicines and treatments, and make educated decisions about their health treatment options. There are a few details that remain the same for every presentation event:

1. The events are always the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm, unless otherwise specified;

2.  The events are always FREE to attend;

3.  The events will always have FREE food;

4. The events will always be held at “60Nobscot” woodworking studio and showroom, located at 60 Nobscot Road in Sudbury, unless otherwise specified.

5. Always RSVP to the presenter(s) directly;

6. Any other information you may need can be found on our website, www.MarlboroughWellnessCenter.com! 

Here are the upcoming scheduled events so mark your calendars now:

November 11^th: Life Support for Parents/Caregivers of People with Mental Illness presented by Debra B. Taylor

November 13^th: Introduction to Feng Shui presented by Christine Conway. This event will be co-sponsored with, and located at, the Northborough Chiropractic Center.

December 2^nd: Holiday Wellness and Gift Bazaar, more details to be mailed to you!

January 13^th, 2009: Topic on Nutritional Eating, presentor TBE

February 10^th: Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine presented by Dr. Erin Morrissey

And much more in the new year…!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/acupuncture-treatment