Allergic and "toxic" responses are different, the allergic being less serious in general. Without getting into semantics and term confusions, let’s keep this simple. "Hypersensitivity" is a reaction to a chemical or substance in certain individuals and has a basis in the immune system.

Allergic and Toxic Responses Differ in Three Ways

1. Allergy does not appear at first exposure to an allergen. The exception is a first reaction to a chemical. Because of biologic variability among humans, chemical dose responses vary.

2. Only a fraction of the exposed population is sensitized by an allergen, in spite of the dose. This is not the case with toxins.

3. The amount of chemical needed to induce an allergic response is usually less than that required to produce a toxic response.
There are four types of allergies. These are; immediate, cytotoxic, immune complex and delayed. Immediate hypersensitivity is the most common. For brevity sake, let me focus on just this one, for this article.

Hypersensitivity produces IgE in response to an allergen. It binds to the surface of mast cells. When re-exposed, the binding end of IgE triggers mediators such as histamine and serotonin. These lead to the contraction of certain smooth muscles, ie. Respiratory tract. In the case of asthmatic attacks, the effect is bronchoconstruction.
Lowered blood pressure is an effect in anaphylactic shock. Increased permeability of capillary walls is also a plus in treating edema or uticaria.

Hypersensitivity onsets rapidly, with response initiated within minutes of allergen exposure.

Mediators cause different effects on tissue. Skin eruption or urticaria cause wheels of redness. Hay fever or asthma can come from the respiratory system. Gastrointestinal tract problems can show up in an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. If shock is the key feature, it could come from systemic anaphylaxis and could involve the whole body.

Typical allergens include chemicals, dyes, foods, bacteria, lints, drugs and pollens.

Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) are the immune system’s primary weapons used to fight antigens. B cells produce proteins that bind to and destroy or neutralize antigens. T cells bind directly to an antigen and stimulate an attack on it. Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed depending on whether the antigen triggers a response by B cells or T cells. B type stimulation are the most common and are "immediate effect." These fall into three categories. Type 1 reactions include hay fever, insect venom allergy and asthma.

Chinese medicine deals with allergies by utilizing food cures. For instance, just to give you an idea; a body type Y score of –8 may not tolerate foods with a body type Y score of –8 because this may drive him/her towards the yin limit. An individual with a Y score of +8 in body type could eat more seaweed, for example, which has a Y score of –6 than fresh ginger which adds +6 to your body and makes a total Y score of +14. By eating seaweed, -6 is added to your body, which makes only a total of +2. It is important in cooking to select foods according to your body type so that a balance of yin and yang can be created, aiding good health and warding off disease.

It should be noted that allergy tests are covered in the classic "A Barefoot Doctor’s Manual." For instance, hot compresses cause capillary dilation, relax local muscles and exert an analgesic action. Hot water bottle, wet hot compresses and hot water sitz baths are used in aiding discomfort of some types of allergies.

Substances such as penicillin, procaine and tetanus anti-toxin can cause allergic reactions. Urticaria is one previously mentioned. For these and other reasons, allergy "tests" should be made first to prevent accidents. I have a student that specializes in our internal and external chi building formulas. Shi Hing / Lohon Matheny and others I know, use a pendulum method along with reflexology tests and small samples dropped on the skin for immediate analyzation.

Metaphysical Considerations

In a short article, we’ve covered western analysis. Eastern methods we touched on but did not get into ginger or eggshell treatments.
According to legend, a pound of steamed pumpkin mixed with honey and sugar was used to treat bronchial asthma, cough or edema. Patient documentations lasted 6 months to 2 years.

Another legendary treatment for allergic skin rash, was to wash, dry, grind and sieve the egg shells. Dose averaged 2 grams taken in water three times a day.

I personally like to acknowledge metaphysical correlation’s concerning disease. A classic book on this subject is "The Healing Power Of Illness." My wife Karin first introduced me to it. It was written by Thorwald Dethlefsen and Rudiger Dahlke MD. It was first published in 1983. Library of Congress # is ISBN 1-85230-123-6.

Without going into depth, I will share a bit on what spiritual realm underlying principles it touches upon concerning allergies. The first sentence states "An allergy is an over-reaction to some substance that is regarded as "hostile." Some five points were summarized at the end. ‘Allergy sufferers need to ask themselves the following questions:

1. Why am I refusing to tolerate aggression in my consciousness, but instead forcing it to work itself out in my body?

2. What are the areas of my life that I am so afraid of as to be avoiding them?

3. What themes are my allergens pointing to – sexuality? instinct? aggression? reproduction? Or ‘dirt’ (in the sense of the dark side of life.)

4. To what extent am I using my allergy to manipulate those around me?

5. What has become of my love and my capacity for letting in what is ‘out there’?

In Closing, two sayings come to mind. One is "Physician Heal Thyself" and "In a multitude of council there is victory."
Enjoy!

By 7th generation Jung Shee Lacy of the Five Elder Monk Mew Hing's 18 Daoist Palms System. Lacy is a member of Soke Brown’s Legends, Masters and Pioneers Hall of Fame, World Sokeship Council Hall of Fame, Action Martial Arts recent Who’s Who and former Who’s Who for Karate International Magazine. Other Hall of Fame’s include Brotherhood of the Knights of Heaven, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Inside Kung Fu Magazine Hall of Fame as 1989 "Humanitarian of the Year."

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