The definition of an allergy is the abnormal reaction or sensitivity to a harmless substance that usually does not bother most people. It is usually hereditary. Nearly 50% of the people in the world have some kind of allergy. Millions of Americans suffer one or more of the following:

- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing fits of hay fever
- Itchy blotches of hives
- Rash of eczema
- Wheezing/Short of breath
- Asthma attack
- Sinusitis
- Food allergy
- Drug allergy
- Environmental allergy
- Insect/animal allergy

MECHANISM

When an allergy-prone individual is exposed to an antigen (foreign bodies perceived by the body’s defense system), the body reacts by producing antibodies (immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) in order to prepare to fight these antigens. In many allergic people, the immune system mistakes a perfectly normal harmless substance like wheat or dust for an enemy antigen. All allergic reactions in any part of the body are caused by the basic response of histamine.

ALLERGY PREVENTION

- Keep your environment (home, office, etc.) free of dust as much as possible.
- Avoid cutting grass, raking leaves or activities in an open field.
- Keep your hands clean to avoid contact of pollutants with your eyes, nose, or skin.
- Maintain personal hygiene by taking hot showers.
- Maintain the skin’s natural moisture and avoiding irritation using creams, oils and ointments.
- Avoid offending groups of food and/or medications.
- Avoid offending antigens by reducing contact with dust, animal fur, mold, etc.
- Once bitten by insects, do not scratch the bitten area, apply a cold compress and seek professional help.

Treatment and prevention of allergy has not been widely published in English. The combination of a group of acupuncture points along the body meridians and natural herbs can improve one’s immune system, and thus reduce the consequences of allergic reaction.

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