Got allergies? Be prepared this allergy season

In the PNW, allergies are typically associated with the rise in pollen counts, spring rain, cherry blossom trees, and tulips blooming. As beautiful as the cherry blossoms and tulips are, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, fatigue, and headaches typically appear for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

What can help?

While cold and flu infection rates typically diminish by the start of spring, a new problem begins to emerge: allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 50 million people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies.

In Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring falls under the Wood element, meaning this time of year is closely related to the gallbladder and liver. According to TCM, one of the liver’s primary functions is to regulate Qi through the body. If Qi is blocked or restricted in any way, the individual will be susceptible to disease and illness. The bottom line is that you want to keep your Qi moving this spring season for optimal health.

Here are some tips to help regulate Qi:

• Limit (or eliminate) your intake of processed foods.
• Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit.
• Keep moving! Gentle exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong can help
• Foods like peppers, berries, and parsley have natural anti-histamines
• Seek acupuncture!

Whether you suffer from mild, moderate or severe seasonal symptoms, acupuncture can help. A recent study in the Journal Allergy, showed that acupuncture had a significantly greater effect on symptoms of allergic rhinitis than either sham acupuncture or no active treatment. The study also found that symptoms decreased significantly after treatment and that acupuncture was considered to be an effective and safe treatment option for allergic rhinitis.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, give Starting Point Acupuncture a call today (425) 686-4498 to learn how you can get back on track to better health!

Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She specializes in chronic and complex cases and commonly treats neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraines, autoimmune, and infertility cases. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free  and Keep Calm and Zen Out available on Amazon.

Sources:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/all.12053