Acupuncture Treatment for Allergies
Sniffling, sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes…seasonal allergies are a common condition plaguing millions of people every year. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually a result of hypersensitivity to airborne particles like pollen and mold.
Many people who suffer from the pain, pressure, and hassle of seasonal allergies turn to Western medicine for relief in the form of antihistamines and allergy shots. These medicines can leave you feeling groggy, and sluggish and many still feel discomfort and only slight relief from their symptoms. Acupuncture for allergies offers a natural approach that often helps the person reduce or eliminate the need for medicine.
Acupuncture, diet changes, herbs and supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can greatly reduce allergy symptoms.
Western Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Seasonal allergies are a reaction to the presence of foreign particles in the body by attempting to fight off the “attack” by sending white blood cells, or lymphocytes, to the area. This, in turn, causes the allergy symptoms many of us have grown to dread. In Western medicine, we know that lymphocytes are found in the bloodstream and Peyer’s patches in the spleen, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow. Similarly, in acupuncture, the spleen, stomach, and intestinal meridians are commonly used to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and restore balance in the body.
In a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms such as a runny nose. The study split the volunteers into 3 groups for 2 months: those who took only antihistamines, those who received acupuncture treatment for allergies, and those who received a “fake” acupuncture treatment placing needles at random, meaningless places on the body. At the end of the study, the group that received true acupuncture treatment for allergies reported greater relief from symptoms than the other 2 groups. Both acupuncture groups reported relief from their symptoms.
Acupuncture is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting needles just into the skin at exact points on the body, which are supposed to restore the balance of your vital flows through the body’s meridians. Many patients feel their sinuses drain and/or their headaches diminish during their first visit while lying on the treatment table. After an initial series of treatments, sometimes twice per week, patients come in for further treatments on an as-needed basis.
Fight Allergies Naturally with Acupuncture
When treating allergies naturally with acupuncture, most patients continue with the standard treatments they are currently undergoing. However, with acupuncture, many people can significantly reduce or eliminate their dependence on allergy medications.
At Louisville Acupuncture, we often use Moxibustion treatment for allergies to stimulate the production and function of white blood cells, which boost the immune system and help fight off infection. We work with you to explain several natural & effective methods of treatment to relieve your allergy pain and suffering such as with Neti Pot or Essential Oil steam inhalation with eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary.
Diet for Allergy Relief
As in many cases, it is helpful to consider a holistic approach to treatment. Diet is often overlooked when it comes to allergies, but when you combine better eating habits with acupuncture treatment you will likely improve your results. Chinese medicine sees sweets as harmful to the spleen function. Consuming sweets is often considered a major factor in the persistence and intensity of seasonal allergy symptoms. Avoiding milk, sugar, and other sweets in your diet will help you achieve better, longer-lasting results.
The ancient Chinese physicians did not fully understand the complete etiology of disease but noticed the correlation between illness and dietary habits. Dairy foods were identified as causing increased phlegm production in the body. Phlegm is associated with sinus congestion, sneezing, and headaches. This manifests as bronchitis or asthma. Dairy is also cold in nature so it’s damaging to digestive fire, particularly if consumed after meals.
At Common Ground Wellness, we offer a full range of services with a wealth of benefits to treat your seasonal allergies. Our supportive, professional staff are trained in various traditional Chinese medicine modalities such as moxibustion, herbal therapy, cupping, and dietary counseling in addition to acupuncture treatment.
If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, and are interested in acupuncture treatment to relieve your allergy symptoms, please contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions and look forward to helping you find relief.