Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Help Allergies & Asthma

More than fifty million Americans suffer from allergies and an excess of eighteen billion dollars each year is spent on diagnosis, and the treatment, or management of symptoms. Allergies are brought on by a heightened state of the immune system. There is an increased inflammatory response that leads to irksome symptoms such as sniffles, drips, pressures and aches in our bodies. Acupuncture has been shown to have both an anti-inflammatory effect on the body as well as an immune boosting effect.

Imbalances in the meridians of the body can stem from many causes, including a poor diet, environmental pollutants and toxins, food additives and preservatives and stressful situations. These imbalances can impact the Meridians or Organ Systems of our bodies when we are exposed to compromising influences over time that damage the protective Qi’s ability to resist colds, flu and allergens. When the external protection barrier, also known as the Wei Qi, becomes weakened in the Lungs and respiratory system, symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, dry and/or watery eyes, and even skin conditions such as rashes and itching often present. When the Wei Qi cannot adequately protect and defend our bodies, we can become vulnerable to a variety of invading elements like mold, pollen, dust and animal dander.

The Stomach can also be impacted by several foods common in the “standard American diet” and can show up as elimination problems, cramping, gas and bloating, and even nausea and vomiting. Foods that are most commonly problematic to the gastrointestinal system include dairy products, eggs, corn, wheat, nuts and soybeans. Of course, there are other foods that can produce allergic responses, and an assessment of an individual’s diet is useful to reduce negative influences. Sugar and artificial sweeteners are often problematic for many people and are frequently the most difficult to reduce or eliminate.

There are Acupuncture points throughout the body that help to strengthen our body’s ability to ward off allergies and alleviate any of the current symptoms we might be experiencing. Because Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all medicine, your practitioner will tailor your Acupuncture treatment based on your specific allergies or respiratory complaints. Additionally, there are also beneficial Chinese Herbs that work in conjunction with your treatment. Chinese Herbs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immune boosting properties. Herbs will treat symptoms such as dry, itchy eyes, dry skin, pressure and congestion in the chest, head and face. They can also address different kinds of coughs such as a dry cough, or a productive cough. Herbs will also be adjusted to consider the color of the phlegm or mucous (clear, white, or yellow). As your symptoms change, your formula will change, addressing both the acute condition, and your underlying, or constitutional presentation. Your practitioner will continue to adjust your formula. Many over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy formulations cause anxiety, sleepiness, or sleeplessness. Chinese herbal remedies do not. They are a good alternative to consider.

The goals of a treatment plan are to eliminate signs and symptoms of allergies, and to address what is at the root of the allergic responses. Together we work to strengthen the external and internal Qi with acupuncture, herbal options and lifestyle modifications, resulting in the reduction or elimination of hay fever, seasonal allergies, even the common cold and increased optimal health.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, proactively scheduling a series of Acupuncture treatments to reduce the inflammatory process and strengthen your immune system (even before it starts) is a great strategy to change these pesky patterns. You can also do your part at home through employing a few dietary and lifestyle strategies to help with your allergies!

Acupuncture can help with these Allergy Related Issues: