Friday, December 9, 2011

How Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help Your Allergies or Hayfever?

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is a common seasonal or recurrent complaint with signs and symptoms that include nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge, sneezing and discomfort of the conjunctiva, pharynx, & ala nasi. The causal agent is hypersensitivity of the nasal mucosa to pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, animal dander, saliva, fumes and certain foods.

What is Hay fever?

Seasonal rhinitis is usually referred to as hay fever. It is a heightened reaction to grasses and pollens that have a restricted seasonal dispersion. It can be symptomless during the off times of the year. The primary characteristics include sneezing, profuse watery nasal discharge and sensitive itchy eyes.

Perennial rhinitis happens throughout year. It is a heightened response to animal dander, dust, fungal spores, cold air, and certain fumes. Signs and symptoms can be intermittent or recurring. Generally signs and symptoms are less pronounced, and will include a low-grade itch, discomfort or congestion of the nose and eyes, with episodic aggravations.

How does Chinese medicine see Rhinitis?

Chinese medicine considers rhinitis as an insufficiency of Wei qi. Wei qi is the body's defence system operating beneath the dermis. The foundation of it is in kidney yang and is sent by the lungs up to the surface. The surface includes the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. In cases where this is poor it cannot fight a pathogenic onslaught resulting in increased reactions to inhaled particles.

Each individual's rhinitis is unique. Even though they may seem alike, the weakness dwelling in a person's organs could alter the symptomology, length and presentation. Sufferers could have more congestion than nasal discharge, or their rhinitis could have had a late onset, ie when they became adults.

How will a Chinese medicine physician handle my hay fever?

A Chinese medicine physician will deal with rhinitis stage by stage. First, they will seek to control the acute stage. Following this they will look at the underlying causal agent, and aim to correct this. This phase of therapy could vary greatly in duration and may comprise of acupuncture and herbal prescriptions along with food and lifestyle tips. While many patients will respond inside of two or tree months, others could possibly take over 12. It is worth considering this when thinking of seeking Chinese medical therapy. Supposing your hay fever is seasonal then undergoing treatment ahead of the anticipated time of year may well diminish the hardship of the conditions when the time of year begins. If you act ahead of time you could potentially not have any problems at all!

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