The spring season according to the Five Elements Theory in TCM belongs to the Wood element and is the time of regrowth, rebirth, regeneration, and expansion. During the springtime, many people suffer from seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis, also commonly known as hay fever. Not only in the Spring season, but the allergy symptoms can also happen in the summer and fall seasons. So how does TCM understand seasonal allergies and how can acupuncture treat the problem?
Our body is formed by a network of communication systems which are called the meridian systems. These meridian systems are named after 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 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 proven as an effective 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 allergic rhinitis varies from patient to patient. 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 courses. Reports have shown that acupuncture treatment is a good complementary medicine in addition to 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
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AuthorDr. Kang P. Tee is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, New York State Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and Herbalist by NCCAOM. His interests include musculoskeletal Archives
May 2015
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