A seasonal, or even sometimes, perennial, disorder, allergic rhinitis comes with symptoms that include abundant nasal discharge, and blockage, and sneezing episodes. Besides these symptoms, a lot of patents may also suffer from red conjunctivae and unbearably itchy eyes. Patients may also suffer from asthma symptoms, weakened mental concentration, headaches, breathing difficulties, and viscous mucus membranes as the congestion in their sinus pathways increases. From the standpoint of Western medicine, these symptomatic manifestations are the result of the hypersensitivity in the nasal cavity wall to spores, animal dander, fumes, dust mites, and pollens. The patient’s immune system, for certain reasons, has caused the area in question to be on high alert for any allergen that may be able to enter the body through the nasal pathways, mouth, and throat. When the perceived elements do enter the body, hysterical signals are sent by the immune system to force these infiltrators to remain in the confines of these orifices as soon as possible. Killer white blood cells are then dispatched to the area in question to destroy the danger. The battle that ensues generates the symptomatic manifestations of an allergic reaction.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, for short, treat allergic rhinitis by resolving the internal elements that brought about the abnormal reaction of the immune system of the body and by alleviating the symptoms the system’s over-reactive state create. Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture assist the immune system to accurately and calmly evaluate the level of threat level of the condition and regulate the response mechanisms based on the real and accurate level of threat.
Wei Qi
The principle of Wei Qi is used by Chinese medicine to determine the body’s immunity function and nature. Wei Qi is the defensive facet of Qi, the vital force of the body. Wei Qi resides between the muscles and under the skin, protecting the body from harmful pathogenic elements such as heat, cold, and wind among others that the body is exposed to in the environment. The Qi of the Kidney and lung aid Wei Qi in guarding its boundaries against potentially pathogenic wind borne elements. Mucus linings of the mouth, nose, and respiratory tract are nourished by Lung Qi. Nourishment is sent by Kidney Qi upward to the lung. Information from the endocrine system is conveyed to enable Wei Qi to mount a measured and proper defense reaction to whatever pathogens it confronts. A tonified and adequately nourished Wei Qi will be able to correctly distinguish an alien element within its perimeters. It can then mount a calibrated inflammatory reaction to entrap the infiltrator, whist arousing the killer white blood cells to demolish the allergen now entrapped by histamine at the same time. To help assist in eliminate mucus “battle debris, sneezing and nasal discharges help, leading to homeostasis.
Allergies Compounded by Deficiency
If an obstruction or deficiency arises in any of the organ systems that supply Wei Qi, a minor allergic reaction can turn into a huge problem for the person involved. Weak killer white cells can fail in their mission to neutralize the allergens, which lead to toxic and severe symptoms. The patient may seriously labor in his/her breathing and sneezing becomes more intense as the mucus accumulates in his/her body. Significant features in the patterns of deficiency-compounded rhinitis complicated include:
-A deficient pulse
– Eczema or asthma past medical history
-A white and waxy complexion
-intense itching around the eyes and nose
-frequent and ephemeral sneezing
-Onset occurs during a change of weather
Stagnation Along with Allergies
A weakening of Wei Qi may also happen due to the blood and energy (Qi) channels becoming blocked for whatever reason. Obstruction may set in when liver Qi is overwhelmed by long-term or severe emotional stress. Repressed anger or frustration may literally strangle liver energy, restricting its ability to circulate blood and vital Qi throughout the body. The defense mechanism of the body overreacts or malfunctions without the efficient and smooth circulation of nutrients and information. Telltale signs of this pattern of rhinitis include:
-A string and strained type of pulse
– Whitish or reddish face that turns purple during moments of anger
-Easily irritated that is disproportionate to the events it reacts to
Food Choices that Can Cause Allergies
Another type of obstruction or stagnation may also develop from bad dietary choices. Regularly eaten foods that are cold and/or produce phlegm can lead to a condition of dampness in the body that slows digestion delaying the distribution and absorption of to all parts of body nutrients. Dairy products such as milk, butter, and ice cream as well peanuts, cold drinks and fruit juices containing sugar can create mucus in the tract of the digestive system that then tend to amass in the lungs and nose. The ones most affected by this kind of condition are children who because of this may manifest symptoms such as chronic noisy respiration, nasal itching, and/or persistent runny noses. Other signs and symptoms of this pattern of rhinitis include:
-Loose stools
-Thirsty without the desire to drink
-Picky eater (weak appetite
-Muzzy-headedness
-Droopy posture
-White face
The Extreme Effectiveness of Acupuncture:
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas in Overland Park are Traditional Chinese Medicine’s way of treating allergic rhinitis. The acupuncturist inserts in a gentle way extremely thin and sterilized needles into pre-determined meridians or energy pathways along the surface of the skin. The needles stimulate the meridians to mitigate an ongoing allergic reaction and remove the abundant mucus, or to normalize the communication channels in order to prevent future attacks. Prior to an incoming allergy season, two or three acupuncture treatments are recommend to strengthen and regulate Wei Qi, the kidneys, and lungs in such a way that the allergens that usually cause a reaction can never trouble the patient again.
Relief Provided by Chinese Herbal Formulas
Chinese herbal remedies taken in daily doses can help alleviate the symptoms the patient suffers during an attack. These remedies can also strengthen the support systems of the kidney and lung. Removing foods that cause an allergic reaction or produce mucus in one’s diet can help prevent the rise of allergic rhinitis.