Introduction:

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances called allergens, dust, pollen, foods, medications, insect bits, etc.. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity, and is called type I or immediate hypersensitivity. It is characterized by an excessive activation of white bloods cells resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. These responses include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to venom, such as bee stings, and reactions to medications.

Hay Fever - (Allergic Rhinnitis )

• Irritation of the nose - nasal congestion -runny nose
• Sneezing -itching and redness of the eyes.

Food Allergy - can cause

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating - Vomiting - Diarrhea
• Itchy Skin - Hives

Anaphylaxis
(systemic allergic response to insect bites, some medications and antibiotics) Can become very severe. Injections of Epinephrine are often needed.

• Skin reactions - Bronchoconstriction - Edema
• Hypotension - Coma - Death

Contact Dermatitis (skin contact with an irritant or allergen)

• Rashes - Swelling or inflammation of the skin
  

The two factors are: Hereditary and Environmental

Hereditary

• Identical twins are likely to have the same allergic diseases about 70% of the time.
• Allergic parents are more likely to have allergic children

Environmental

• Read about the Hygiene Hypothesis
• Read about the Helminthic Therapy

• Signs and Symptoms
• Skin Testing
• Blood Testing
• Ruling out other causes

• Avoiding Allergens or overexposure
• Phamacotherapy - Antihistamines - Decongestants and more
• Immunotherapy - hypo sensitization - gradual intake of the allergen to desensitize the immune system to the allergen.

Oriental Medicine's Causes of Allergies

• External Factors Contributing to Allergies
  • Wind - seasonal changes that are driven by the wind causing an immune response (Wei Qi)
  • Cold / Heat - the greatest variation between cool and warm tempetures occur during the spring and fall seasons. These variations can affect the respiratory system and cause imbalance in the immune system and affects the nasal mucosa, causing dryness or phlegm
  • Dampness - An environmental factor which we call humidity. Changes in humidity can cause nasal congestion, inflammation, sinus pressure and headaches.
  • Dryness - Our state (NM) is known for its dryness. Many people experience dry bloody nasal cavities. They lack the clear nasal fluid that helps transport and transform allergens out of the body.
• Internal Factors - These include hereditary and constitutional factors, but also the present state of an individuals health and imbalances in the body.
  • Deficient Lung Qi - this means that one's respiratory system is weak, and is easily susceptible and compromised by external factors. An example is Asthma, there respiratory system is compromised and they can be easily affected by allergens.
  • Deficient Middle Jiao - This means that one's digestion system in out of balance and weaken. This is a common factor that contributes to allergies and sinus disorders in oriental medicine. If you read about the Helminthic Therapy above, then one can see that even western medicine is now examines the role of digestion and the immune system. There is also interesting articles on Leaky Gut Syndrome.
  • Liver and Gall Bladder Imbalance - This is another important factor that Doctors of Oriental Medicine examine. The role of toxins in the body, and its causes of imbalances.

Treatment by Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is used for the following
  • To balance the immune system
  • To reduce the effect of seasonal changes on the body
  • To reduce inflammation and congestion
  • To tonify or strengthen the respiratory system
  • To strengthen the digestive system
  • To balance the Liver and Gallbladder system
• Chinese Medicinal Herbs for the Treatment of Allergies
  • Herbal formulas to treat Hay Fever - eyes - nose - throat
  • Herbal Formulas to treat the immune system
  • Herbal Formulas to treat the respiratory system
  • Herbal formulas to treat the digestive system
  • Herbal Formulas to treat the Liver and Gallbladder imbalances
• Effectiveness
  • We have achieved very good results for our patients, please read our testimonies, when available.