Do you suffer from allergies?
Allergies are simply the body’s overreaction to a usually harmless substance. Seasonal allergies affect 1/3 of all Americans. Symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and headaches.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, is a safe, natural and effective option for alleviating the symptoms allergies. It helps the body find a natural rhythm so we can address the root cause of the allergies, while also boosting the immune system.
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. Over-the counter medicines have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Nose sprays contain steroids that can damage the body’s natural healing abilities.
The goal of all TCM is to promote the healthy flow of qi (vital energy) that travels through the meridians of our bodies. According to Chinese medicine, there are many factors that may trigger an asthma attack or allergies. The goal of an acupuncturist is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which addresses the person’s acute symptoms and provides relief. We do this while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance, which is thought to be at the root of the person’s allergies or asthma. Treatments often include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary modification.
Researchers at the University Medical Center in Berlin conducted a large, multi-center study that shows that acupuncture can help relieve allergy symptoms. Other studies conducted in South Korea have been done to test how effective it is in treating chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. These conditions are caused by perennial and seasonal allergies and cause inflammation in the nasal passage tissue when exposed to allergens.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2846743/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23420231
TCM interprets the cause of allergic rhinitis, referred to as “bi yuan,” as an imbalance in the distribution of qi. The blockages, excesses, deficiencies and imbalances that can occur in each of the meridians and organs need to be identified and corrected in order to eliminate allergy symptoms. https://www.actcm.edu/blog/acupuncture/allergy-and-asthma-sufferers-find-relief-with-tcm/
