Natural Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Allergic rhinitis — whether seasonal (hay fever) or perennial (year-round, triggered by dust mites, pet dander, or mould) — affects approximately 20% of the UK population. While antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids manage symptoms, they do not address the underlying immune hypersensitivity. Traditional Chinese medicine approaches allergic rhinitis by strengthening the body's defensive capacity and reducing the reactivity of the immune system at root level.
TCM Understanding
Allergic rhinitis in TCM reflects lung qi deficiency and wei qi deficiency — insufficient defensive energy to protect the body's surfaces from external pathogens (in this case, allergens). The repeated annual sensitisation progressively depletes the lung and wei qi, creating a vicious cycle. Perennial rhinitis often involves a component of spleen qi deficiency producing dampness that accumulates in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Acupuncture
A large RCT (the ACUSAR study) demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced symptoms and antihistamine use in allergic rhinitis. Starting treatment 4–6 weeks before pollen season — or year-round for perennial rhinitis — allows the wei qi to be strengthened before provocation. See our related article on Chinese medicine for hay fever for seasonal treatment details and key acupuncture points.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Yu Ping Feng San — Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, and Fang Feng — is the classical preventative formula for wei qi deficiency. For acute rhinitis, Xin Yi San opens the nose and disperses wind. Quercetin (500mg twice daily) is a natural mast cell stabiliser and antihistamine that works well alongside herbal treatment. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss allergic rhinitis, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
