Allergies

Clinical Application:
The formula is used to treat allergic rhinitis, chronic paranasal sinusitis, and the common cold. Zhao used a semi-conductor laser therapeutic apparatus in combination with this formula to treat 40 cases of allergic rhinitis, and reported a total effective rate of 97.5%.(3) Li treated 32 cases of allergic rhinitis with this formula and achieved satisfactory results.(4) To study the effect of this formula on allergic rhinitis using a larger sample, eight hospitals in Shanghai, China, treated 367 cases of allergic rhinitis with this formula, and reported a total effective rate of 80.1%.(5)

An treated 62 cases of allergic rhinitis with acupoint injection. After routine disinfection of the skin, a syringe with a No. 5 needle was slowly punctured perpendicularly to a depth of 1 cun at point Da Zhui (D14), and 1 ml (2mg) of dexamethasone was slowly injected into the tissue. Of the 62 cases treated, 47 cases showed significant improvement, 15 cases showed some improvement. The total effective rate was 100%.(12)

Zou treated 64 cases of perennial allergic rhinitis with massage. He pushed and pressed the neck muscles with thumbs, until a warming sensation was felt. Then he pressed with fingers at points Fengchi (G20), Fengfu (Du16), Jianjing (G21), and Tianzong (SI11) until a pronounced local sensation of soreness was felt. A control group was treated with astemizole orally, 10 mg per day before going to bed. One month constitutes a treatment unit. After 2 treatment units, of the treatment group, 12 cases showed full recovery, 44 cases showed some effect, and 8 cases showed no response. The total effective rate was 87.50%. Of the control group, 4 cases showed full recovery, 40 cases showed improvement, and 20 cases showed no effect. The total effective rate was 75%. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The results indicate that the effects of the massage therapy was better than that of the Western medication.(13)

Chen treated allergic rhinitis with a herb paste made of the following four herbs in equal proportions: Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Tuber), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), and Gan Sui (Radix Kansui). On the first day of each of the three hottest periods in the year (falling in mid-July, late July, and in early or mid-August), the paste was applied to the following points for 1-3 hours (half hour in children): Feishu (B13), Fengmen (B12), Shenshu (B23), and Pishu (B20). After 1-3 years of treatment, out of a total of 68 cases treated, 13 cases showed full recovery, 22 cases showed significant improvement, and 6 cases showed no response. The total effective rate was 91.18%.(14)

Liu, et al. applied acupuncture and moxibustion to treat allergic rhinitis. Needles were first inserted into both sides of the following points: Yingxiang (LI20), Yintang (EX-HN3), Feishu (B13), Taiyuan (L9), and Zusanli (S36). The needling method was as follows: first, puncturing obliquely at point Yingxiang (LI20), and puncturing subcutaneously downward until needling sensation was felt and reached the tip of the nose and the nasal cavity; then, needling at Feishu (B13), Taiyuann (LU9), and Zusanli (S36) with tonification by lifting, thrusting and twirling the needles, and retaining the needles for 30 minutes; while the needles were retained, moxibustion with moxa sticks was used at Yingxiang (LI20) and Yintang (EX-HN3) alternately for 15 minutes. The results: among 35 cases treated, 12 cases showed full recovery, 15 cases showed significant improvement, 6 cases showed improvement, and 2 cases showed no response. The total effective rate was 94.2%.(16)

Combined Modality Therapy
Wen combined auricular point sticking and warm needling therapies to treat 50 cases of allergic rhinitis. The following otopoints were selected to receive treatment: Lung, Internal Nose, External Nose, Adrenal Gland, Endocrine, Hypersensitivity Area, Spleen, Kidney, and Shenmen. At the selected otopoints and alternating ears, a paste made of Semen Vaccariae was applied and kept in place for between 2-3 days. A unit of treatment called for applying the paste ten times. The warm needling therapy called for puncturing subcutaneously at point Feishu (B13) with a 1.5 cun (1 cun=33 1/3 milimeters) filiform needle, connecting the needle with a needle-warming apparatus, and retaining the needle for 30 minutes. One unit of treatment consisted 10 needling sessions. After 1-3 units of treatment, 23 cases fully recovered, 22 cases significantly improved, and the remaining 5 cases improved. The total effective rate was 100%.(17)

Yu, et al. treated 30 cases of allergic rhinitis with a combination of acupuncture and massage therapy. Yingxiang (LI20) and Biyuan were selected as the main acupoints to receive treatment. Acupuncture and massage were alternated at each acupoint every other day. In addition, acupoints Feishu (B13), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (S36) were punctured once daily. Of the 30 cases treated, 5 cases fully recovered. 21 cases improved, and the remaining 4 cases showed no response. The total effective rate was 86.7%.(18)