Serene forest scene with a calm lake surrounded by pine trees in watercolor style.
#460
May 12, 2026

Using Chinese Medicine to Treat Alpha-Gal
Rebecca Chrestman

Our Sponsors

Qiological logo with text and tagline.
The Needle transparent 300x90
Blue Poppy logo with a blue poppy flower and text.
Jessica Parker Functional Medicine

We often think of allergies as simple reactions, but some conditions reveal a far deeper conversation between the immune system, environment, and daily life—one that evolves with every exposure.

In this conversation with Rebecca Chrestman, we explore Alpha-Gal syndrome through both modern understanding and Chinese medicine, looking at how patterns like damp heat and spleen imbalance help make sense of complex, multi-system symptoms. We discuss the realities of treatment—not quick fixes, but gradual shifts in reactivity, lifestyle, and resilience.

We also touch on the emotional and practical impact of living with a condition that reshapes how you eat, live, and move through the world.
Listen in for a conversation that brings together clinical insight, traditional thinking, and the lived experience of navigating a truly modern illness.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What Alpha Gal actually is – A tick-borne condition connected to an allergic response to mammalian products.
  • How it presents clinically – Digestive problems, skin reactions, fatigue, brain fog, and in some cases anaphylactic responses.
  • Why it can be easy to miss – It can look like IBS, food sensitivity, eczema, or other common patterns practitioners already see.
  • The role of the Lone Star tick – How tick exposure seems to set the whole process in motion.
  • Severity spectrum of reactions – Some people have mild digestive trouble, while others react to fumes, touch, or tiny exposures.
  • Chinese medicine differential diagnosis – Working with patterns like damp heat, rebellious stomach qi, spleen deficiency, wei qi – weakness, and related presentations.
  • Body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and herbs – Rebecca’s clinical approach using multiple methods rather than a one-note protocol.
  • The danger of “cure” claims – Concerns about protocol-driven or unethical treatment promises, especially around simple ear-only approaches.
  • What practitioners should keep in mind – Using the Western diagnosis as something to keep in your back pocket while still treating through Chinese medicine pattern differentiation.

Treat the system, not just the symptom. When the internal environment changes, the symptom often resolves naturally.

Healing woman smiling, showcasing wellness and vitality, with natural blonde hair and a friendly exp.

Rebecca Chrestman

Dr. Chrestman is a licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Nixa Missouri. She specializes in the treatment of complex and chronic conditions using a comprehensive approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including body acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and customized herbal therapy.  

Practicing since 2000 Dr. Chrestman has developed a reputation for her work helping patients suffering from Alpha gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy that can significantly impact quality of life. Rather than relying on a single protocol, she focuses on a more in-depth treatment strategy that addresses both the allergy itself and the systemic imbalances it creates.

Dr. Chrestman is passionate about bridging ancient medical wisdom with modern health challenges. Her practice focuses on restoring balance, strengthening the body’s natural systems, and helping patients return to vibrant health.

Links and Resources

Learn more about Holistic Healing,

And stay connected by following Pure Holistic Health Clinic with Rebecca Chrestman on Instagram and Facebook.

Member Only Content

This additional content is available to members of our podcast.
Become a Member

Explore Similar Podcasts

Subscribe to the Qiological Podcast in Your Favorite Player

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

You don't have access to purchase this item.