Acupuncture And Seasonal Allergies

Allergy symptoms got you down worse than ever this year?

The season for runny noses, congestion, headaches, sneezing, skin itch is upon us if you suffer from seasonal allergies, or general allergies for that matter! 

This year there is a trend for seasonal allergies to be worse than previous years. If this is you read to find out more about how TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help you.

What are allergies & exactly and how do they manifest? 

Allergies are an immune response that exists as a result of exposure to something like pollen or dust. Your body makes antibodies against the substance that’s deemed harmful by your system, and in response as means to fight it, it creates something called histamine. Histamine causes swelling and phlegm or mucus build up. In some cases, allergies can cause a histamine reaction all over your body, like skin itch or hives. 

For most people with allergies, symptoms tend to be related to a particular season, commonly Spring/Summer when there is more pollen, manifesting as something like hay-fever. Allergies can present year round for people who’s triggers are something like dust or cat hair.

How can TCM help you may ask?

Studies show that acupuncture and TCM can help to reduce symptoms by up to 50%!

It does so by regulating and strengthening the immune system. Acupuncture down regulates pro-inflammatory cells that are the culprit of your nasty allergy symptoms. It will relieve those nasty symptoms if you’re already experiencing them and additionally it works preventatively. So if you anticipate this will be you on your next camping adventure or hike, this is a good time to book in for treatment. In my opinion preventative medicine is the best kind!

How is this better than conventional pharmaceuticals or treatments?

Well, the lens from which we view the human body in Chinese medicine is that each individual’s presentation of symptoms varies, so each individual’s prescription of acupuncture points or herbal formula will vary and be unique to the patients specific needs. We don’t treat everyone who comes in for anxiety with the same treatment plan or prescription of points, for example, because each persons anxiety is going to show up in a pattern unique to them. The same goes for allergy treatment. Acupuncture is a customizable treatment plan to suit you as an individual and your exact specific needs. 

Not into needles?

If you’re not into needles that’s okay, your Acupuncturist can help you anyway.

Acupuncture is only one of the many healing modalities we use to help regulate QI (vital life force energy) and it’s quality and directional flow within the body. Examples being but not limited to acupressure and formulating Chinese herbal formulas specific to your constitutional needs. 

Book in to see a registered Acupuncturist or Dr of Chinese medicine today, and get back to focusing on enjoying your summer! 

If you have any questions you can book in for a free 15 minute consultation with myself Meg Welch R.Ac or our Dr of Chinese Medicine – Amanda Butler at Back At It. 

I would be happy to answer your questions and support you on you health journey!