From a Chinese perspective, this over-reaction is due to a deficiency of the lung and kidney defensive qi. It is referred to as wei qi, which circulates on the outside of the body and protects it from invasion. When the wei qi is immature or deficient, it cannot adequately protect the body, and pathogens can easily invade. Multiple attacks on the body, can also weaken or obstruct the flow of wei qi, leaving it vulnerable. With repeated attacks, this hyper-sensitive condition becomes chronic, and may later be triggered by other things, like perfumes. With allergic rhinitis, the bodies predictable response, manifests as chronic retention of wind in the nose.
The general approach with allergies is to treat both the root and the branch. What this means is treating the source of the problem, and it’s manifestation. As Chinese medicine sees each person as an individual, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the patients condition is diagnosed within the parameters of Chinese medicine. The practitioner looks for patterns of disharmony within the patient, and tries to balance them. When the body is in balance, the signs and symptoms of their condition, will begin to diminish. Treatment consists of regular acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as, dietary and life style changes, that will help support and strengthen their body.
Weekly treatments should begin prior to the particular seasonal response, usually 3 - 6 months before, and continue through the problematic time, or until the patient begins to become less hyper-sensitive to the allergen. It may take up to a year to get the problem under control, if the patient sticks to the regiment. Allergies, like many chronic conditions, become more difficult to treat as we age. Strengthening the body when it is younger, works better with an intact immune system, even if it’s immature. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely success can be established.