Allergic rhinitis

Acupuncture » Allergic rhinitis

 
 
 

 


What is allergic rhinitis? When a person is first exposed to a specific allergen, such as house dust and pollen, certain antibodies bind onto the mast cells of the upper respiratory tract, triggering a release of histamine from the mast cells. This results in an increase of nasal secretion, congestion, itching, and sneezing-a condition we call allergic rhinitis.
Causes Allergic rhinitis can be caused by pollens, grasses, ragweed, dust, household mites, animal dander and saliva, changes in temperature and humidity, spicy foods, smoke or other strong fumes.


Acupuncture Treatment In acupuncture theory; the twelve regular and eight extra meridians help to maintain a balance of Yin (substances which nourish the body such as blood and body fluid) and Yang (related to activity and function) within the body. However, if a particular energy pathway is obstructed, its corresponding organ's function will also be affected and the body's yin and yang will become unbalanced. This imbalance will ultimately affect the functioning of the body as a whole. Acupuncture works by removing energy blockages in the meridians and regulating the overall flow of energy so that the body can return to a state of balance and health. Allergic rhinitis is due to an invasion of External Wind Cold or Heat (exopathogens) with an underlying Lung Qi deficiency that in some cases is further complicated by the deficiency of the Spleen or Kidney.
Method of Therapy The ideal time to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis using acupuncture is at least one month before symptoms normally begin. While some patients may experience immediate relief after only a few treatments, a course of six to ten treatments once per week is normally required to treat acute conditions. Chronic conditions may require further treatment.
For temporary relief of nasal congestion and itching, a few common acupoints can be massaged for a few minutes several times a day with the fingertips: Yintang (located right between the eyebrows), Yinxiang or LI 20 (located on the nasolabial groove adjacent to the nostrils), and finally Hegu or LI4, (located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger).