Chinese medicine is effective at controlling and eventually cures allergies because the therapies treat the root cause of the condition. Chinese medicine therapies are particularly efficacious in treating hay fever, perennial rhinitis, allergic eczema and allergic asthma.
As mentioned in ‘Why Do I get Allergies”, Chinese medicine diagnose allergic body types as originating from a weaken zheng qi (or upright qi), arising from deficiencies in vital energies of Kidney, Spleen and Lung. Recurrent allergies mean that the immune system is overworking but not in an efficient and appropriate manner. As a result of the malfunctioning immune responses, the already deficient energies of these internal organs are continuously being depleted. If the immune malfunctioning is left untreated, the condition can progress into chronic allergies with progressively more frequent attacks and more severe symptoms.
Chinese medicine treatments for allergies aim to primarily strengthen the body constitution and boost the immune system. Secondary treatment focus is to relieve allergic symptoms during an acute attack. The treatment objective is to control allergies naturally, at the same time helping patients to reduce over-dependence on conventional pharmaceutical drugs such as anti-histamine, nasal decongestants and corticosteroids. Generally within one or two treatment programs the immune system generally becomes strong enough to start functioning appropriately.
The number of treatment programs needed to completely take control of the allergies is dependent upon the patient’s presenting disease pattern and response to treatment, chronicity of the condition, and the types of conditions being treated. One typical treatment program consists of between 10 to 12 sessions. To achieve long term relief in chronic and severe allergy cases, patients may need to undertake continuous and regular treatments for up to 6 months or longer. However, in general marked improvements are observed within 2 months of following a prescribed course of treatment. Patients can expect the intervals between allergic attacks to be gradually lengthened. Eventually most patients experience minor discomfort which they can self-manage in a natural way or have one or two acupuncture treatments to help feeling better.
During an acute attack, patients are recommended to have acupuncture up to 2 times a week to relieve allergy symptoms. Herbal medicine will be introduced from the very beginning of the treatment program to start regulating the functioning of the immune system. During remission or between attacks, a combination of acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion therapies will be used in the clinic to clear the body system of remaining pathogenic influence, and stimulate immune function. Herbal medicine is recommended to be taken during the whole course of treatment.
It is beneficial for patients suffering from seasonal allergies such as hay fever to begin active treatment or repeat maintenance treatment approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the arrival of the pollen season. This approach will strengthen the resistance in preparation of harsh environment elements, and reduce the severity of symptoms in the event of an acute attack.
Patients who are symptom free are encouraged to have maintenance treatments at the clinic either in monthly, seasonal or yearly basis. Regular taking of Chinese herbal medicine helps to promote general wellbeing and strengthen body resistance.
