Seasonal allergies in Grenoble: the body that hesitates to enter spring

Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, as soon as spring sets in: seasonal allergies are a classic in Grenoble, surrounded by its mountain ranges. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is not only the pollen — it is an organism that struggles to move from winter to spring.

Why seasonal allergies? The view of Chinese medicine

In TCM, spring raises Yang: the body comes out of winter's withdrawal to open up. This transition requires an internal reorganisation. When the winter Yin has not been sufficiently preserved, or when the Lung — which governs the skin and defence — is weak, the rise of Yang goes badly: Wind rushes into the defences and causes sneezing, discharge, itching. Allergy is a Wind that jostles a fragile boundary.

Two pictures frequently seen in practice

Wind-Cold (clear runny nose, sneezing)

Clear and abundant nasal discharge, sneezing, watery eyes, sensitivity to cold, worse in early spring.

**Tongue**: pale, white coating · **Pulse**: floating, tight

Wind-Heat (blocked nose, red eyes, irritated throat)

Blocked nose with yellow secretions, red and stinging eyes, irritated throat, a sensation of heat.

**Tongue**: red, light yellow coating · **Pulse**: floating, rapid

What traditional Chinese medicine offers

Preventive acupuncture

Ideally before the season, to strengthen the Lung and the defensive Qi (Wei Qi); also possible during an attack to soothe the Wind.

Dietetics

In spring: green vegetables, grains, avoid dairy products and sugar that thicken Phlegm, and alcohol that maintains Heat.

Lifestyle

Respect the seasonal rhythm, go out but cover your shoulders, sleep enough: a Yin preserved in winter makes for a calmer spring.

Acupuncture points most often used for this complaint: GI4, GI20, V12, P7, RT6, F3.

The combined approach of sophrology and Chinese medicine in Grenoble

Traditional Chinese medicine and sophrology complement each other: the former acts on the body's energetic balance, the latter on the nervous system and stress management. Combining the two makes it possible to treat the terrain — the one that maintains the symptom — and the emotional state that accompanies it. In Grenoble, at the Centre Équilibre, this combined approach is built session after session, according to your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Can allergies be prevented?

In TCM, yes — by preparing the terrain before the season. In practice, this aims to reduce the intensity, not to make the allergy disappear.

Why is it worse in Grenoble?

The Grenoble basin, with its mountain ranges and its background pollution, concentrates pollens and irritates the airways. The peak periods are well known locally.

Does TCM replace antihistamines?

No. It supports. No treatment should be modified without your doctor or allergist.

Learn more

→ [TCM practitioner in Grenoble](/praticien-en-medecine-traditionnelle-chinoise-a-grenoble)

→ [Chinese medicine and sleep in Grenoble](/medecine-chinoise-et-sommeil-a-grenoble)

→ [Acupuncture in Grenoble](/l-acupuncture-a-grenoble)

**Ghislaine Morin**, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and sophrologist, welcomes you at 29 Quai Claude Bernard, 38000 Grenoble. Book on 06 24 90 04 98 or online at https://calendly.com/centre-equilibre-sophrologie

Ghislaine Morin's website in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/blog/articles/acupuncture-au-printemps-a-grenoble-prevenir-fatigue-et-tensions-saisonnieres