Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the body reacts to the environment in a hyperactive way. Even normal substances in the environment can become symptom-producing allergens in certain individuals. Although hay and weeds are common culprits, pollens from grasses and trees, mold, dust mite, and animal danders can also cause symptoms. The various pollens produce seasonal symptoms, whereas mold, dust mite and animal dander may result in perennial, or year-round symptoms. Since pollen and mold counts can vary widely, a variety of resources are available to determine which allergens are found in your region, and when they tend to be highest in quantity.
Regardless of the allergen, the result of exposure is the same. Histamine and other inflammatory chemicals are released in the body, and the symptoms of allergies ensue. Treatment should lie in strengthening the spleen and invigorating qi. The syndrome of yang deficiency of the kidney has the characteristics of pale nasal mucosa, aversion to cold and cold limbs. Treatment should be warming and strengthening the kidney yang. The syndrome of qi deficiency of the lung and spleen as well as yang deficiency of the kidney are the most commonly-seen syndromes clinically.
Four therapeutic methods for allergic rhinitis in TCM
Syndrome of wind and cold invading the lung
Therapeutic methods: Dispelling wind and descending the lung qi, expelling cold and removing obstruction of the orifice.
Syndrome of internal accumulation of heat in the lung
Therapeutic methods: Clearing away heat and descending the lung qi, cooling blood and desensitization.
Syndrome of qi deficiency of the lung and spleen
Therapeutic methods: Tonifying the lung and spleen, sending up yang to consolidate defensive qi.
Syndrome of yang deficiency of the kidney
Therapeutic methods: Warming and strengthening the kidney yang, consolidating defensive qi and removing obstruction of the orifice.