Updated August 20, 2025
Did you know that asthma and allergies are closely related? Sixty-percent of those with asthma have allergies that trigger their asthma symptoms. 1
Many people are not aware of integrative treatments that can alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms. Nasal sprays and antihistamines may take care of the immediate discomfort, but can cause other issues in the long run.
Integrative Treatment Options for Allergic Asthma
This article focuses on treatment options for the category of asthma known as Allergic Asthma. For more about asthma from both the Western Medicine and TCM perspectives, see Asthma and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).2
Asthma and allergies (in this case we are referring to inhaled allergens only) similarly involve an overreaction of the body’s immune system to what it believes is a foreign invader.
When the body is exposed to an allergen (e.g. ragweed, pet dander, pollen), the immune system produces an abundance of inflammatory hormones, which subsequently cause the symptoms of allergies and asthma to manifest.
The following integrative treatment options can help reduce the impact of allergies that are triggering asthma symptoms. Anyone with a diagnosis of asthma should also work with their asthma specialist to continue prescribed treatments (such as rescue inhaler) for managing their asthma symptoms. At Calandra Center for Health & Wellness (CCHW) we are happy to work collaboratively with your other care providers to achieve the best outcomes for your health needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET)
NAET is a a non-invasive, drug-free system for alleviating allergies and sensitivities. The NAET method uses a blend of acupuncture and/or acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic techniques, applied kinesiology, homeopathy, and nutritional therapy. This combination of modalities “reboots” the body so that it no longer reacts to a substance as a sensitivity. The effectiveness of NAET is quantifiable through both IgE and IgG testing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a principal treatment method within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can help alleviate the symptoms of outdoor allergies and asthma. Acupuncture involves stimulating the flow of “Qi” (the body’s vital energy) by placing small, thin needles directly under the skin. When a person’s Qi grows stagnant or experiences other disruptions, they are more susceptible to disease and illness. Therefore, correcting this problem through acupuncture can naturally alleviate the impact of allergies, asthma and other common health problems.
Dietary and lifestyle changes
Poor nutrition can disturb the immune system, causing greater sensitivity to allergens. A healthy diet is rich in lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It is important to avoid any known food sensitivities. According to TCM, items such as dairy, sugar, grains and soy can cause increased phlegm, which exacerbates allergy and asthma symptoms. For more information, please see “Dietary Recommendations for Lung Disorders”.3
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Within TCM, herbal medicine is a time-tested alternative treatment for allergies and asthma. Herbs like stinging nettle, ginkgo biloba, green tea, and reishi all contain heavy concentrations of antioxidants. These antioxidants are believed to fight harmful chemicals in the body known as free radicals, which, if left unchecked, may irritate existing conditions like allergies and asthma. Now, before you go rushing out to the store to buy these herbs it should be noted that not every herb is conducive to every person. Please consult your trained TCM herbalist prior to starting any herbal supplements. Your licensed TCM practitioner is also trained to determine the possibility of any herb/drug interactions.
If you would like to try alternative treatments for allergies and asthma, please schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss the options that might work best for you.
