Respiratory (sinus, lungs)

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic inflammation of the nasal passages. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitised immune system, triggering an antibody production. 

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterised by airflow obstruction & bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Most asthmatics are not aware that their diet can also be contributing to this disease. Certain foods & food additives increase inflammatory processes within the body resulting in excessive levels of a substance called leukotrienes.

In Chinese Medicine the lungs are said to govern Qi. Qi is frequently translated as "energy flow", & is often compared to the Western idea of élan vital or Vital Force. The literal translation is air or breath. In the body, lung Qi combines with food Qi to form the Zong Qi or the big Qi of the chest!