Allergy cases have increased by three-fold in the past 50 years with 30-50% of Americans suffering from various types of allergic symptoms today.  In fact, it is the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S., costing the health care system $18 billion annually.  What most of these people do not know, however, is that allergies are definitely treatable with very little or no side effects.

What are Allergies

Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to things in the environment, such as dust, pollen, and foods. When an allergic person’s immune system is triggered by an allergen, it causes inflammation. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from itching eyes, sneezing, and runny nose (rhinitis), skin reactions such as eczema or hives, to even life-threatening constriction of the airways.

How Does Acupuncture Treat Allergies

According to traditional acupuncture, allergens cause blockages in the flow of the body energy circuit pathways, called meridians. This creates imbalances in the energy supply of different organs or systems and diminishes their function. It manifests itself in various physical, physiological and psychological symptoms, including pain, inflammation, emotional stress, etc. Acupuncture treats allergies by eliminating the block to restore energy flow and normalize the state of health. The larger the blockage, the more time and treatments are required for the body to recover.

We also look for constitutional or more deeply-rooted signs in each person who presents with allergies. The principle here is treating the whole person. According to TCM, people with chronic allergies often show signs of spleen or kidney deficiency as well as lung problems. The goal of the practitioner is to develop a treatment plan that will alleviate the patient's acute symptoms while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance at the root of the allergy. Treatments often include lifestyle and dietary recommendations.

What to Expect

The acupuncture needles will be pinned at the appropriate acupoints along the meridians and channels. These needles will function as switches in the energy circuits of our body. The placing of needles, the direction of insertion, the depth of insertion and the manipulation of the needles thereafter are the factors that determine the course of the treatment.

Acupuncture for allergies usually results in less frequent colds, sinus headaches and congestion and increased energy. Improvement in allergy symptoms occurs after the first four to six acupuncture for allergies treatments for perennial or chronic allergy sufferers. Acupuncture for allergies minimizes asthma, fatigue, sinus headache, and other allergic reactions.  Treatment using TCM can dramatically lessen allergic reactions, or in some cases help the sufferer tolerate what caused the symptoms. It also enables most people to reduce or eliminate their dependence on allergy medication.

Why Acupuncture

Treat not only the symptoms but also the root cause: Chinese medicine theory relied on the balance of Qi and blood. The obstruction and disruption of blood and Qi is the root of all the health issues. All the disorders of organ systems and immune system are from the Qi and blood stagnation. Through needles and herbs, the disruption of qi and blood flow could be reduced and rebalanced. Therefore, it not only relieves the symptoms but also treats the underlying cause as well as generates a healthy immune system.

Strengthen the immune system and prevent the disease: Since acupuncture and Chinese medicine treats the body as a whole and regulates the organ functions accordingly, automatically the whole immune system is enhanced and the constitution is well maintained.

Natural, safe and effective treatment: acupuncture is generally recommended over strong medication for it is a natural and safe approach without side effects. The symptoms of allergies vary individually, the treatment plan of the acupuncture and Chinese medicine is specific and effective accordingly. Depending on the different of symptoms, the selection of acupuncture points and herb formulas are considered differently.

What the Media Says

Fox News: Acupuncture Pins Down Allergy Relief

Acupuncture and Seasonal Allergies

Natural News: Acupuncture Clears Seasonal Allergies

Acupuncture Cures Seasonal Allergies