Spring is on the way! You know what that means, don’t you? Unfortunately, we are poised to be slammed by those irritating particles just waiting to leap from all the burgeoning plant life! In Western medicine, we call the symptoms of those airborne particles allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

Allergies can be seasonal (spring, summer, fall) or situational (exposure to animal fur or random substances). And, you know when it’s the season because people begin breaking out the Zyrtec and antihistamine sprays to deal with runny noses, itchy eyes, dry coughs and general discomfort.

The best defense is a good offense …

Patients need to start treatment in March to build up a defense against the invasion of allergens. Our recommendation: Take preventative dosages of Yu Ping Feng San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula. I use it myself during an allergy attack to relieve symptoms. (Also, it works well for mild colds.)

Once allergy symptoms have started, treatment and herbal prescriptions are based on the pattern presented by the patient, whether itchy eyes, coughing, headaches, fatigue, nasal discharge or sneezing. Chinese medicine also offers some dietary suggestions to ease allergies, such as avoiding dairy (phlegm producing) and sugar (general immunity). I also recommend drinking lots of mild herbal teas to help dilute mucus and avoid that “stuffed up” feeling.

A great way to build your immunity and prevent allergies is through acupuncture. Let me show you the path to springtime wellness!

Dr. Sara Youner is the owner and proprietor of Morning Light Acupuncture in Springfield. She has practiced acupuncture since 2016 and specializes in women’s health, emotional wellness, pain relief and facial rejuvenation.