Fay-Meling von Moltke Pao, DAc, BHSc, Hon.BA.
exactly is allergic rhinitis?
When a person is first exposed to a specific allergen, such as house
dust and pollen, certain antibodies bind onto the mast cells of the
upper respiratory tract, triggering a release of histamine from the mast
cells. This results in an increase of nasal secretion, congestion,
itching, and sneezing - a condition we call allergic rhinitis.
Some common complaints associated with allergic rhinitis are: runny
nose; sneezing; itchy and watery eyes, nose, and throat; sinus
congestion; skin rashes; hives; diarrhea and frequent urination. This
condition may be seasonal or perennial due to environmental allergens.
Allergic rhinitis can be caused by pollens, grasses, ragweed, dust,
household mites, animal dander and saliva, changes in temperature and
humidity, spicy foods, smoke or other strong fumes.
Currently there are several types of pharmaceutical drugs available to
treat this condition. These include oral decongestants, antihistamines,
intranasal topical corticosteroids, and cromolyn sodium. While these
drugs may offer temporary relief, they cannot cure the condition. Except
for cromolyn sodium, which is one of the more expensive treatments on
the market, most of these drugs display adverse effects such as
dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nervousness, and gastro-intestinal
disorders. In some cases, they may even exacerbate the allergic
symptoms. Nasal decongestants can become addictive when used for
extended periods of time, requiring more dosage to achieve the same
effect. Topical corticosteroids are generally considered safe, but can
inhibit adrenal function with long-term use and can lead to yeast
infections (candidiasis) within the nose and chronic nose-bleeding (epistaxis).
and Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is composed of an
intricate web of energy pathways known as "meridians". The twelve
regular and eight extra meridians help to maintain a balance of Yin
(substances which nourish the body such as blood and body fluid) and
Yang (related to activity and function) within the body. Each meridian
is named after the specific internal organ that it encompasses and
through which it passes.
When Qi (vital
energy) and Xue (blood) flow freely through the meridians, the body is
in good health and can perform at its optimum. However, if a particular
energy pathway is obstructed, its corresponding organ's function will
also be affected and the body's yin and yang will become unbalanced.
This imbalance will ultimately affect the functioning of the body as a
involves the use of hair-fine needles to stimulate specific points on
the body along the meridians. Acupuncture works by removing energy
blockages in the meridians and regulating the overall flow of energy so
that the body can return to a state of balance and health.
In the case of
allergic rhinitis, the blockage of energy is situated in the lung
meridian, for which the nose is considered an extension. Under normal
conditions, the lungs can control respiration and ensure that one
breathes freely through the nose and with an acute sense of smell. In
TCM, the lungs are also responsible for dispersing energy throughout the
body and for preventing pathogenic factors from invading the body.
TCM, allergic rhinitis is due to an invasion of External Wind Cold or
Heat (exopathogens) with an underlying Lung Qi deficiency that in some
cases is further complicated by the deficiency of the Spleen or Kidney.
Deficiency of the lungs can be attributed to genetics, chronic lung
disease, and excessive or insufficient exercise. The Lung Qi is further
affected by emotions of grief or sadness. In TCM, persons with deficient
Lung Qi can also suffer from a deficiency of Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and
thus be susceptible to External Wind (exopathogens). Typical symptoms
include physical and mental fatigue, apathy, sweating with minimal
exertion, and an inclination to catch colds.
In TCM, the functioning of the Spleen is impaired by over-thinking, poor
eating habits, and the consumption of foods that contribute to
"dampness" and "phlegm" within the body. Foods that can aggravate the
digestive system are greasy, fried, spicy and cold foods, as well as
sweets, dairy products and alcohol. Strong fumes such as cigarette smoke
can also irritate the nasal passages and contribute to more nasal
A deficiency of the Kidneys may be due to hereditary conditions, chronic
illness, aging, overwork, and sudden fright. In cases where the
condition is genetic, allergic conditions often begin during childhood.
Since the Kidneys in TCM are the source of all Qi (Primordial Qi) within
the body, a deficiency of the Kidneys can also disrupt the functioning
of the Lung's Defensive Qi (which comes from Primordial Qi). This
condition frequently occurs in persons who also have a condition of
asthma or eczema, and can arise from one of the earlier syndromes
The ideal time to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis using acupuncture is
at least one month before symptoms normally begin. While some patients
may experience immediate relief after only a few treatments, a course of
six to ten treatments once per week is normally required to treat acute
conditions. Chronic conditions may require further treatment.
relief of nasal congestion and itching, a few common acupoints can be
massaged for a few minutes several times a day with the fingertips:
Yintang (located right between the eyebrows), Yinxiang or LI 20 (located
on the nasolabial groove adjacent to the nostrils), and finally Hegu or
LI4, (located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index
Moltke Pao, DAc, BHSc, Hon.BA, is a licensed acupuncturist and
practitioner of Oriental medicine in Toronto, Ontario. After completing
her degree in Biomedical Ethics at the University of Toronto, she
continued her studies and graduated from a four-year degree program in
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the Michener Institute of Applied
Health Sciences (recognized by ACAOM). In her practice, Fay-Meling
combines classical and modern acupuncture techniques with herbal
medicine, nutrition and diet therapy, counselling, tuina (Chinese
massage therapy), and qigong where appropriate.
"My aim is to
provide patients with an integrative form of health care that utilizes
the best of eastern and western medicine. As such, I am committed to
working closely with other physicians and health care practitioners
involved in an individual's care, and enabling the person's own healing
abilities. I warmly welcome all patients to my clinic."
-Fay-Meling von Moltke Pao
information on her practice and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine please
visit her website at:
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