Our body is formed by a network of communication systems which are called the meridian systems. These meridian systems are named with specific organs in our body. For allergic rhinitis or hay fever, the meridian system that's involved is called the Lung meridian system. Allergic rhinitis occurs because there is an obstruction in our Lung meridian system caused by exterior conditions while the vital energy of our Lung system is deficient and unable to consolidate these conditions. Note that the Lung system in TCM is not confined to the lung organs specified in the Western medicine. There could be several pathogenesis paths that lead to the Lung system insufficiency including our genetics, chronic Lung disease, excessive or insufficient physical activities, or emotional influences, as well as influences by other meridian systems.
Acupuncture has been proved as effective therapeutic treatment for allergic rhinitis through controlled trials by the World Health Organization. Ideally, the best time to treat allergic rhinitis with acupuncture is one month before the symptoms start. The acupuncture treatment course for the allergic rhinitis varies from patients to patients. Some people may see immediate relief and some after a few treatments. Generally, for acute conditions we may recommend once to twice per week over a course of six to ten treatments. For chronic conditions, we may recommend further treatment course. Reports have shown that acupuncture treatment is a good complimentary medicine in addition to the allergy medications.
Your acupuncture treatment will focus on restoring and strengthening the Lung meridian system that dominates the vital energy of the body and removing any obstruction and excess conditions. For more information as to how to relieve your seasonal allergies, please contact us to further inquire how best we could help you.