研究所、轉學考(插大)、學士後-英文題庫下載題庫

In Chinese medicine, allergies are considered a problem of the wei qi (pronounced “way chee”), or protective qi. This is the protective energy that circulates on the surface of the body, keeping out foreign substances and pathogens. When an allergen gets in far enough to cause a full-blown immune response, it means the outer protective layer needs to be strengthened. 

Wei qi depends on the overall strength of the qi in the body; in cases of chronic allergies, there is often an underlying weakness in Spleen, Lung and/or Kidney qi. There may also be a stagnation, excess, or   imbalance of qi that weakens the protective qi from the inside. 

For example, someone who gets very congested, foggy-headed, and queasy with allergies may have an underlying Spleen deficiency. A person with Lung deficiency, on the other hand, might have more wheezing, or may get hives, eczema, or other skin reactions. Someone who gets red, itchy eyes and stubborn congestion may have some Liver qi stagnation that weakens the Lung qi. Of course, in real life it is common to have a combination of these patterns. Your acupuncture and herbal treatments will be modified to suit your specific situation.