Finding Relief from Fall Allergies with Chinese Medicine in Northern Virginia

Here in Northern Virginia, the change from late summer into fall can bring beautiful crisp mornings and colorful leaves—but it also marks the start of allergy season. Ragweed pollen begins to peak in early September, and as the air cools and dampens, mold spores become more common later in the season. For many people, this means weeks of sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, and that “foggy” feeling that makes it hard to get through the day.

Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to managing seasonal allergies, helping not only to ease symptoms but also to strengthen the body’s resilience. In my practice, I use several tools—acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, Chinese herbs, and dietary therapy—to support patients through this transitional time of year.

Acupuncture: Calming the Immune Response

Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s immune system and reduce the overreaction that causes allergy symptoms. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can:

• Clear nasal congestion and sinus pressure

• Reduce itchy, watery eyes

• Calm inflammation in the respiratory system

• Boost overall energy and resilience

  
  

Many patients notice relief during a session, with breathing becoming easier and sinuses feeling more open. Regular treatments throughout the season can help keep symptoms from escalating.

Cupping: Releasing Congestion

Cupping, often done on the upper back, helps loosen phlegm and release tightness in the chest and shoulders. For patients who develop cough, chest tightness, or sinus congestion during allergy season, cupping can provide noticeable relief. It also helps stimulate circulation and support the body’s natural detoxification process.

Gua Sha: Easing Tension and Drainage

Gua sha, a gentle scraping technique, can be used along the neck and upper back to relieve muscle tightness from coughing or sinus pressure. It also encourages lymphatic drainage, helping the body clear allergens and reduce inflammation. Patients often describe feeling “lighter” and more relaxed after a gua sha session.

Chinese Herbs: Addressing Root and Branch

Chinese herbal medicine offers customized formulas to address both acute allergy flare-ups and the underlying imbalances that make symptoms worse. For example, some formulas help dry excessive mucus, while others calm itchy eyes and sneezing. For patients prone to mold-related symptoms later in fall, herbs can also help resolve dampness and strengthen digestion. Unlike over-the-counter antihistamines, herbs aim to harmonize the body and strengthen long-term immunity.

Dietary Therapy: Seasonal Support

Food is one of the most important (and often overlooked) ways to support your system during allergy season. In Chinese medicine, fall is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine—organs that are vulnerable to dryness, dampness, and irritation. Some seasonal recommendations include:

• Eat warm, cooked foods: Soups, stews, and roasted vegetables are easier to digest and help prevent dampness that worsens congestion.

• Incorporate pungent foods like ginger, garlic, scallions, and radishes to help open the sinuses and move stagnation.

• Limit dairy, sugar, and cold/raw foods, which can contribute to phlegm and dampness.

• Hydrate wisely with warm teas—chrysanthemum, mint, or ginger can be especially supportive for allergies.

  
  

A Seasonal Approach to Health in Northern Virginia

The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it recognizes the rhythm of the seasons. Here in McLean and the greater Northern Virginia area, ragweed and mold are a predictable part of fall—but your symptoms don’t have to take over your life. By combining acupuncture, bodywork therapies, herbal support, and simple dietary adjustments, we can help you move through allergy season with more ease and vitality.

If you’ve noticed sneezing, congestion, or fatigue creeping in already, now is the perfect time to start treatment—before symptoms peak.

Managing Fall Allergies with Acupuncture