Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: A Holistic Perspective
Allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, is a chronic condition marked by nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and overall discomfort. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, or grass, which are otherwise harmless. Allergic rhinitis is often confused with non-allergic rhinitis, a similar condition usually triggered by irritants such as smoke, pollution, or certain medications, and more frequently seen in adults.
While conventional treatments such as antihistamines and nasal sprays provide symptom relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to managing rhinitis by addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances within the body.
Chinese Medicine’s Approach to Rhinitis
In TCM, the treatment of rhinitis, including allergic and non-allergic types, focuses on identifying the specific diagnostic pattern affecting the individual. This personalized approach ensures that treatment targets the root imbalances rather than just the symptoms.
By focusing on the root causes and imbalances, TCM offers a natural and comprehensive approach to managing rhinitis, helping patients achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.
The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of rhinitis: Lung Dampness-Phlegm Heat, Lung Wind Invasion-Wind Cold, Lung Wind Invasion-Wind Heat and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Commonly used points: LI4 Hegu, UB4 Chuanzu
commonly used formula: Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, Xin Yi Wan, Yu Ping Feng Wan, Gui Zhi Tang Wan
Research
Acupuncture could be a safe and valid treatment for allergic rhinitis; Moderate quality evidence (Feng 2015 – SR of 13 RCTs)(1)
High quality evidence of efficacy and effectiveness (Taw 2015 – SR of 2 large multi-centre RCTs, 3 acupuncture vs medication RCTs and 1 cost-effectiveness study)(2)
OHNSF clinical practice guideline: Option 5: Clinicians may offer acupuncture, or refer to a clinician who can offer acupuncture, for patients with AR who are interested in nonpharmacologic therapy; Aggregate evidence quality – Grade B (Seidman 2015)(3)
Acupuncture is cost-effective for allergic rhinitis (Kim 2012, Witt 2010)(4, 5)
SAR – Acupuncture significantly superior to rescue medication in QALY gained, but may cost more short term (Reinhold 2013)(6, 7)
References
1.Feng S, Han M, Fan Y, Yang G, Liao Z, Liao W, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2015 Jan-Feb;29(1):57-62.
2. Taw MB, Reddy WD, Omole FS, Seidman MD. Acupuncture and allergic rhinitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Jun;23(3):216-20.
3. Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, Schwartz SR, Baroody FM, Bonner JR, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Feb;152(1 Suppl):S1-43.
4. Witt CM, Brinkhaus B. Efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis – An overview about previous and ongoing studies. Auton Neurosci. 2010 Oct 28;157(1-2):42-5.
5. Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, Park HJ, Lee H. A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses alongside randomised controlled trials of acupuncture. Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):273-85.
6. Reinhold T, Roll S, Willich SN, Ortiz M, Witt CM, Brinkhaus B. Cost-effectiveness for acupuncture in seasonal allergic rhinitis: economic results of the ACUSAR trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013 Jul;111(1):56-63.
7. Reinhold T, Brinkhaus B, Willich SN, Witt C. Acupuncture in patients suffering from allergic asthma: is it worth additional costs? J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Mar;20(3):169-77.