Inherited Sensitivity

How to use: Simmer in 500ml water 20 minutes as a daily tea. Add to soups and congee. Astragalus is the primary Wei Qi (defensive Qi) strengthening herb in TCM — it directly addresses the immune hypersensitivity root.

Where to find: Asian herb stores or Amazon (search "astragalus root slices" or "huang qi"). Buy root slices, not powder, for tea preparation.

How to use: Add to congee, soup, or steam as a side dish. Dried white slices (淮山片) are the most convenient form. Strengthens the Spleen foundation of Wei Qi production.

Where to find: Asian grocery stores (dried yam slices in herb section). Amazon carries both dried and freeze-dried powder.

How to use: Always cooked — never raw (raw ginkgo is toxic). Add to congee or soup. Remove the bitter green germ inside before cooking.

Where to find: Asian grocery stores (canned or vacuum-packed cooked ginkgo). Maximum 10 nuts per day — strictly observe this limit.

How to use: Simmer dried slices in 500ml water for 30 minutes. Drink the dark liquid as a daily tea. Reishi is the primary immune modulator in TCM — it calms overactive immune response while strengthening deficient Wei Qi.

Where to find: Asian herb stores or Amazon. Buy dried slices — the raw bitter taste confirms authenticity.

Benefit: The primary immunity-strengthening acupoint. Research confirms ST-36 stimulation increases NK cell activity, T-cell proliferation, and IgA secretion — the physiological Wei Qi strengthening effect. Regular daily stimulation over 90 days produces measurable immune function improvement.

Location: On the front of the lower leg, four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width lateral from the shin bone edge.

Frequency: Daily — the most important daily acupressure habit for this constitution

Benefit: The primary entry point of external Wind — the TCM carrier of allergens and pathogens. Stimulating GB-20 strengthens the body's ability to repel Wind invasion, reducing allergic rhinitis triggered by wind and seasonal changes. Most effective when stimulated at the first sign of nasal symptoms.

Location: At the base of the skull, in the depression between the two large neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius), on either side of the spine. Tilt head back slightly — two large depressions appear at the base of the skull.

Frequency: Daily. Increase to 3× daily during allergy season or at first sign of symptoms.

Benefit: Regulates Wei Qi circulation on the body's surface — specifically the mucous membranes of the face and respiratory tract. Most effective for nasal allergic symptoms: sneezing, watery discharge, itching.

Location: On the back of the hand, in the fleshy mound between the first and second metacarpal bones.

Frequency: Daily. At first sign of allergic symptoms, stimulate immediately.

Build Wei Qi through consistent moderate exercise — not intense, not sedentary

The Inherited Sensitivity constitution requires precisely calibrated exercise. Too intense: generates excessive sweating which opens the surface and allows Wind-allergens to enter. Too little: Wei Qi stagnates and weakens. The ideal: 30 minutes of moderate-paced walking outdoors in clean air, 5 days per week. Swimming is excellent — the water supports the body and removes the impact of weather variations. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are specifically designed to strengthen Wei Qi circulation — 20 minutes of Tai Chi daily is the most traditionally recommended exercise for this constitution.

⏰ Morning 9–11 AM during Spleen meridian hours. Avoid exercise on high pollen days or when outdoor allergen levels are elevated.

Minimise exposure to known triggers without creating avoidance anxiety

There is a paradox in managing Inherited Sensitivity: excessive avoidance behaviour raises cortisol (a known mast cell activator) and worsens hypersensitivity over time. The goal is not to live in a sterile bubble but to build genuine tolerance through Wei Qi strengthening. Practical balance: avoid the highest-impact triggers (shellfish, dusty environments, synthetic perfumes), but do not restrict diet beyond confirmed triggers, do not avoid all outdoor activity, and focus primary energy on the food therapy and acupressure protocol rather than avoidance.

⏰ Ongoing lifestyle attitude — apply daily.

Astragalus root as daily food supplement, not occasional medicine

For Inherited Sensitivity constitution, astragalus (黄芪) should be treated as a daily food ingredient, not an occasional supplement. Its immunomodulating effects require consistent exposure — like vitamin D, it builds protective benefit through cumulative daily use. The most convenient method: keep a jar of astragalus tea on the counter and drink 2–3 cups daily. Alternatively, add 15g of astragalus slices to any soup, stew, or congee being cooked. 90 days of consistent use has been shown to reduce seasonal allergic reactivity measurably.

⏰ Every single day without exception. This is the most important single dietary habit for this constitution.

🌱 Spring

Spring is the highest-risk season for Inherited Sensitivity — pollen, Wind, and the body's Yang expansion create the perfect storm for allergic attacks. Begin intensive Astragalus + Reishi tea two weeks BEFORE spring arrives (February, before pollen season). Increase ST-36 and GB-20 acupressure to twice daily. The spring protocol must start early — reactive treatment once symptoms begin is far less effective than pre-season Wei Qi building.

☀️ Summer

Summer heat and humidity create secondary allergen exposure (mold, dust mites thrive in humidity). Keep indoor humidity below 50% with dehumidifiers. Air conditioning filters should be cleaned monthly. Summer is also a good season for immune building — the Yang energy supports Wei Qi production. Use summer's momentum to consolidate gains.

🍂 Autumn

Second highest-risk season after spring. Ragweed pollen peaks in September–October in most regions. Dry autumn air desiccates mucous membranes, reducing their barrier function. Increase snow ear fungus, lily bulb, and pear in diet through October. Continue daily astragalus tea. Transition from summer exercise to indoor options as outdoor allergens increase.

❄️ Winter

Lowest allergy season for most, but house dust mites peak in winter due to indoor heating and closed windows. Thorough bedroom cleaning (wash bedding weekly in hot water) becomes critical. Cold air directly triggers bronchial hypersensitivity — wear a scarf over the nose and mouth in cold wind. Winter is the consolidation season: deep immune building through astragalus, reishi, and warming foods creates the reserves needed for the spring allergy season.

What is Inherited Sensitivity (特禀质) in TCM?

Inherited Sensitivity (特禀质, Tè Bǐng Zhì) is a constitutional type where the body has an unusually reactive immune response — both to external allergens and internal imbalances. The underlying cause in TCM is Kidney essence (先天之精) deficiency, meaning the pre-natal constitutional foundation is weaker, resulting in a hypersensitive Defensive Qi (卫气) system.

What foods help with Inherited Sensitivity?

Foods that tonify Defensive Qi and stabilize immune responses: astragalus (黄芪 in soup — do not eat directly), reishi mushroom (灵芝), goji berries (枸杞), Chinese yam (山药), and poria (茯苓). Avoid known food triggers and common allergens. Keep a food diary to identify personal sensitivities.

How is Inherited Sensitivity different from regular allergies?

Regular allergies are acquired — developed through repeated exposure. Inherited Sensitivity in TCM refers to a deeper constitutional hypersensitivity that was present from birth, often with a family history of allergic conditions (eczema, asthma, hay fever). The TCM approach addresses the underlying Kidney essence deficiency rather than just suppressing allergic symptoms.

What acupressure points help Inherited Sensitivity?

ST-36 (Zusanli) to tonify overall Wei Qi and immune function; LI-4 (Hegu) to regulate the surface and reduce allergic responses; SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) to support Kidney Yin and stabilize the constitutional foundation. Regular practice of these three points (5–10 minutes each, twice daily during peak allergy seasons) provides significant relief.