The Beijing University of Chinese Medicine unveiled an integrated traditional Chinese medicine framework for preventing and treating allergies on Monday, marking the first comprehensive system in China to link theory, clinical practice, research translation, and talent training.

Combining these categories is novel in the field, according to the university. The move represents increased efforts to progress allergy treatment at the institutional level, with the hope of alleviating an issue experienced by hundreds of millions of Chinese.

Built on the TCM constitution theory developed by Wang Qi, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the framework uses a three-part method to diagnose allergies by looking at a person's overall body type, their specific illness, and their current symptoms. The goal is to move beyond just treating sneezing, itching, or rashes as they happen. Instead, it tries to fix the deeper imbalances inside the body that cause allergies in the first place. This way, each person gets a long-term plan that's tailored just for them.

A core element is a three-tier prevention system aligned with TCM principles: preventing onset symptoms by keeping the body healthy, controlling progression with targeted intervention, and reducing recurrence after recovery.

To support clinical application, the university launched an allergy treatment alliance across its affiliated hospitals and rolled out multidisciplinary clinics. Standardized herbal formulas and external therapies were also introduced.

On the education front, Yan Zhanfeng, vice-president of the university's Dongzhimen Hospital, announced an international training program in integrative allergology to cultivate professionals versed in both TCM and modern immunology.

Liu Cunzhi, vice-president of the university, said the initiative deepens integration across research, clinical care, and industry, and aims to contribute Chinese expertise to global efforts against allergic diseases.