Uninvited Guests of Spring: Dr.’s Guide to Seasonal Illness Management

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Hello, I am Dr. Hyocheong Chae, a Korean medicine doctor. Based on my experience treating diseases according to seasonal changes while operating a Korean medicine clinic, I would like to discuss diseases that frequently occur in spring and their management methods. Spring fatigue and weakened immunity. After the cold winter passes and spring arrives, many people experience spring fatigue due to the large daily temperature fluctuations.

This state, characterized by unusual drowsiness, loss of appetite, and general lethargy, is a sign of weakened immunity. In Korean medicine, this is sometimes seen as a state of ‘Qi deficiency (氣虛)’. Since weakened immunity makes one vulnerable to various diseases, it is important to pay attention to physical health management during this period. Maintaining your body’s rhythm with sufficient sleep, regular lifestyle habits, and light exercise will be crucial.

Allergic Rhinitis and Respiratory Diseases in Spring Allergic rhinitis commonly occurs in spring due to increased pollen, yellow dust, and fine dust. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing are actually our body’s defense mechanisms. In response to foreign substances entering the body, our body secretes histamine to dilate blood vessels inside the nose and attempts to expel these foreign substances through a runny nose and sneezing.

While taking antihistamines for these symptoms can temporarily relieve them, side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth may occur, and immunity may further weaken, leading to chronic rhinitis. Especially in young children, whose immunity is fragile, rhinitis, sinusitis, and otitis media often recur even with long-term antihistamine use, sometimes leading to chronic rhinitis.

Korean Medicine Approach. In Korean medicine, there is no concept of a ‘panacea’ that works for everyone. Even for the same rhinitis, the prescription varies depending on the individual’s constitution and symptoms. For example, warm-natured medicinal herbs like ginseng and cinnamon bark are effective for people with a cold constitution, but these herbs can actually cause side effects for people with a lot of heat in their bodies.

Therefore, a customized prescription tailored to one’s constitution and symptoms is necessary through an accurate diagnosis by a Korean medicine doctor. Korean medicine treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion are effective not just in suppressing symptoms, but in fundamentally strengthening immunity to break the cycle of recurring allergic diseases. To boost immunity in spring, Bojungikgitang is a representative prescription in Korean medicine.

Bojungikgi (補中益氣) means to supplement the body’s middle Qi (spleen and stomach) and boost vital energy, making it effective for spring immunity decline and allergic symptoms. The main components of Bojungikgitang are as follows:

Ginseng, Astragalus: — Strengthen immunity

Atractylodes, Licorice, Angelica gigas, Citrus peel: — Improve digestive function and relieve fatigue

*Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga): Lifts vital energy and improves body sagging

Bupleurum: — Relieves allergic heat sensation and itching

Especially in spring, Bojungikgitang Especially in spring, the prescription may be altered according to the season, known as Bojungikgitang Chunbang (Spring Formula). Additionally, depending on symptoms, peppermint, Saposhnikovia root, Schizonepeta, Cnidium, Magnolia flower, etc. can be used for nasal congestion, Sochungryongtang for runny nose and sneezing, and Hyunggaeyeongyo-tang for rhinitis in people with excessive heat. Skin Diseases and Management. In spring, skin dryness often worsens due to daily temperature fluctuations, and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis frequently recur or exacerbate.

In Korean medicine, these skin conditions are often viewed as ‘blood heat (血熱)’ or ‘wind-dampness (風濕)’. Skin diseases also require Korean medicine treatment tailored to the individual’s constitution and symptoms. In daily life, taking short lukewarm showers, applying moisturizer, avoiding irritating foods, and ensuring sufficient hydration are helpful.

Korean Medicine Knowledge for Daily Use *Ginger tea: Effective for sudden chills, motion sickness, and nausea. Ginger has the effect of raising body temperature and removing toxins from the stomach. Utilizing Korean Medicine Insurance Prescriptions *Sochungryongtang: Effective for clear runny nose and sneezing (allergic rhinitis) *Hyunggaegyotang: Effective for nasal congestion (inflammation) and sinusitis in people with excessive heat *Samso-eum: Effective for mild cough and phlegm. Spring Health Management Tips * Wear a mask (avoiding contact with allergens is very helpful).

* Maintain appropriate indoor humidity (50-60%) * Wash hands and brush teeth thoroughly after going out * Strengthen immunity with regular lifestyle habits and light exercise * Eat a diet focused on fruits and vegetables that are not overly sweet. Spring diseases are not merely localized problems but are deeply related to overall weakened immunity. Beyond temporary symptom relief, fundamental constitutional improvement and immunity strengthening are important.

Especially for those suffering from chronic conditions or children, we recommend receiving personalized treatment through consultation with an experienced Korean medicine doctor. By finding the herbal medicine that suits your constitution, you can break free from the recurring cycle of rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis. We wish you a healthy spring. Sincerely, Dr. Hyocheong Chae, Korean Medicine Doctor.

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This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.