Allergic Rhinitis, commonly known as Hay Fever affects around 10-40% of the population worldwide and can be seasonal or perennial (all year round). It is typically triggered by an allergic rection to substances such as pollen, dust, leaf mould and animal dander. Common symptoms are sneezing, nasal itching, nasal blockage, and watery nasal discharge. Other symptoms can include red, itchy tearing eyes, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, and systemic symptoms such as tiredness, fever, a pressure sensation in the head, and itchiness. The effect on sufferers ranges from mildly uncomfortable to chronically debilitating depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids can help control symptoms but do not cure the underlying condition.
Allergic rhinitis develops when an inhaled allergen adheres to the surface of mast cells (a type of white blood cell crucial to the immune system) which leads to a massive release of histamine, causing the inflammation and allergy symptoms. The body’s immune system is in effect overreacting to an external substance which is not a threat to wellbeing.
Acupuncture and traditional East Asian Medicine view Allergic Rhinitis as due to deficiency in the Wei Qi (defensive Qi) system, particularly involving the Lung and Kidney Qi which are most closely connected with breath, and retention of wind pathogen in the nose.
It is important to remember that in traditional acupuncture physical organs are part of much wider energy systems. A disharmony in Lung and Kidney Qi is not the same as Lung and/or Kidney organ pathology.
Acupuncture treatment involves treating both the symptoms and the root of the condition. In the case of perennial allergic rhinitis both are treated concurrently, for seasonal conditions in addition to treating symptoms when they occur it is beneficial to have constitutional treatments outside of, preferably before, the allergy season starts.
How May Acupuncture Help?
In general, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system resulting in biochemical changes that influence the body’s homeostatic (self-regulating) mechanisms. It stimulates the release of endorphins, other hormones and chemical messengers thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Research suggests acupuncture may help to relieve pain and congestion in people suffering with allergic rhinitis by: Reducing inflammation – promoting release of vascular and immune modulating factors. Regulating cytokines and IgE antibodies (mediators involved in immune activity). Enhancing natural killer cell activities and modulating the number and ratio of immune cell types. Increasing local microcirculation in affected areas, which aids dispersal of swelling.