Self-massage for allergic rhinitis

　　Allergic rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, is mostly caused by inhalation of allergens, such as dust, dust mites, fungi, animal fur or feathers, cotton wool, weeds, pollen, etc.; ingestion of allergens, such as fish, shrimp, eggs, milk, flour, peanuts, soybeans, leeks, etc.; certain drugs, such as sulfonamides, quinine, antibiotics, etc.; and contact with cosmetics, gasoline, paint, alcohol, etc., and formaldehyde in home decoration. Certain bacteria and their toxins, physical factors (such as hot and cold changes, temperature irregularities), endocrine disorders or acid-base balance disorders of body fluids can also cause disease. In recent years, due to factors such as increased air pollution and aromatic particles in vehicle exhaust, people who were not originally allergic have developed allergic constitutions, and the incidence rate has been increasing.

　　Typical symptoms of this disease are nasal itching, excessive nasal discharge, mostly watery discharge, which turns into purulent discharge when infected; nasal congestion, sneezing (usually sudden and violent); dark circles under the eyes; decreased or disappeared sense of smell; red, itchy, tearful eyes; headache, dizziness; etc. Symptoms vary from person to person, and long-term patients may also experience seasonal attacks. Some patients may also suffer from symptoms such as asthma and snoring. In addition to avoiding allergens and taking anti-allergic drugs, self-massage also has significant curative effects.

　　How to operate

　　1. Open the Tianmen: The Tianmen is located in a straight line from the middle of the eyebrows to the front hairline. The patient takes a supine or sitting position, dips the radial sides or fingertips of two thumbs in an appropriate amount of talcum powder, and pushes directly from the center of the eyebrows to the forehead alternately 30 to 50 times (Figure 1).

　　2. Push the eyebrow arch: The eyebrow arch is located on both brows and forms a horizontal line toward the eyebrow tips. First, gently press the waist of the fish with both thumbs, and then push 30 to 50 times from the brow to the tip of the brow (Picture 2).

　　3. Rub the sun: The sun is in the depression behind the eyebrows. Use the middle fingers or thumb tips of both hands to rub the acupoint 30 to 50 times (Figure 3).

　　4. Rub the high bone behind the ear: This point is located behind the ear and into the hairline, in the depression under the high bone behind the mastoid process. Use both thumbs or middle fingers to knead 30 to 50 times (Picture 4).

　　5. Press and rub Fengchi point for 2 to 3 minutes. Use gentle force, and the local area should be slightly sore and swollen. Do not use brute force or violence.

　　6. Massage and rub the nose: This point is located in the depression under the nasal bone, that is, at the upper end of the nasolabial fold. First, use the radial side of the thumb pad of the right thumb to rub the patient's left Natong acupoint and massage it for about 5 minutes; then use the radial side of the left thumb pad to massage the patient's right Natong acupoint for about 5 minutes, and perform the surgery alternately. The severity of the technique should be adjusted according to the patient's age and physical strength. Firmness and softness should be combined to achieve lasting penetration.

　　7. Massage Yingxiang for 5 minutes, Quchi and Hegu for 1 to 2 minutes each.

　　Massage once a day, each treatment lasts for 20 to 30 minutes, 6 times is one course of treatment, and the treatment lasts for 2 courses. Most patients' symptoms and signs can be significantly relieved or disappeared.

　　Things to note

　　During treatment, attention should still be paid to avoiding allergens. Specific measures are as follows:

　　It is best to use anti-mite products for bedding, fold the quilt when you get up every day, and remove dandruff and hair from the bed in time. Wash bedding and underwear frequently in hot water and dry in the sun or in a tumble dryer.

　　Keep stuffed toys, rugs and tapestries to a minimum indoors. Do not smoke in the room, and patients themselves should not smoke. Keep the room dry and ventilated, and be careful to reduce indoor plants. The room should be thoroughly cleaned regularly to eliminate cockroaches.

　　No pets. Existing pets must be placed outside the house or outside the bedroom, and bathed frequently.

　　Reduce outdoor activities during pollen seasons, especially when it’s windy. It is advisable to wear a mask when going out, and take a shower after returning to wash away pollen that has fallen on your head and clothes.

　　Actively prevent and treat acute respiratory diseases to avoid triggering allergic rhinitis attacks.

　　Do not stay in a newly renovated room for too long, and reduce exposure to gasoline, paint, cosmetics, etc.

　　Live a regular life and have a balanced diet. Reduce the consumption of fish, shrimp, beef, mutton and other foods.

　　Strengthening physical exercise and regular massage of the Yingxiang points on both sides of the nose are of great significance in preventing recurrence and alleviating symptoms.