Acupuncture for Spring Allergies

Spring is soon to be in bloom and with the season’s bounty of sunshine and flowers comes pollen and allergies.  Hay fever is a misplaced, auto immune system response.  The body releases histamines in retaliation to foreign pathogens.  Histamines produce allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and an itchy or runny nose, in an effort to expel these potentially harmful pathogens.  Unfortunately, pollen also stimulates this response.

Allergies are often treated with antihistamines which help block this response.  However, many patients find antihistamines to be ineffective, causing dryness and little to no relief.  For those looking for an alternate and natural treatment, consider acupuncture.

Acupuncture relieves allergy symptoms such as stuffiness, headache, itchy eyes etc. by reducing inflammation and irritation.   Acupuncture can also help balance and bolster the body’s immune system, preventing allergy flare ups and these symptoms from even occurring.  Acupuncture works best against allergies when when performed preemptively in as little as 3 sessions, so I recommend that current and potential patients schedule their appointments before the spring season begins.

In addition to acupuncture, taking a tablespoon of locally produced honey everyday can help relieve allergy symptoms.  The trace amounts of pollen found in bee honey can desensitize the body and its response to other pollen.  I also help patients with herbal and homeopathic remedy ideas that can reduce symptoms without side effects.