Got Allergies? Acupuncture Can Provide Relief

Allergies, seasonal or year round, are an ongoing problem for many individuals. Seasonal allergies typically affect people during a particular season or time of year. They are also referred to as outdoor allergies and are generally triggered by tree, grass and weed pollens or outdoor mold spores. Year round allergies also known as indoor allergies are typically brought on by animal dander, dust mites, mold spores or insect allergens. There are also food allergies, which occur as a result of eating a culprit food, and can also create physical and/or emotional symptoms such as body hives, swelling, itching or redness of the skin, depression and/or moodiness.

No matter what kind of allergy you suffer from, environmental or food related, acupuncture can provide needed relief. While medications (over-the-counter or prescribed) often come with unwanted side-effects, acupuncture does not. This makes acupuncture an appealing option for people looking for a new way to combat allergies.

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, foods that don’t agree with your body, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.

How can acupuncture help allergies?

The doctor will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. She will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances leading to symptoms.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage, or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the health and functioning of your body’s systems.

What are some simple DIY allergy tips?

The best way to help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies is to get ahead of the game. Have tools in your toolbox ready so when allergy season hits you are prepared.

Here are some simple tips for helping with allergies:

1. Flush your nose with a Neti pot.
2. Add spicy foods and omega-3’s to your diet.
3. Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering.
4. Put on a dust mask when you are doing yard or house work.
5. Do not hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they will gather dust, mold and pollen.
6. Come in for acupuncture to help reduce symptoms and work toward prevention!

If you suffer from allergies and not getting relief from other therapies or treatments. Give our office a call today at (425) 686-4498 to set-up your initial consultation to learn more about how we can help.