Acupuncture Treatment of Allergies
When springtime arrives, many people struggle with seasonal allergies brought on by pollen and other environmental elements. Allergy symptoms can have a profound impact our quality of life and even prevent some from being able to enjoy the outdoors and spring activities.
Patients frequently seek relief with acupuncture treatment because it is effective and the benefits typically last for an extended duration of time. For many, the thought of taking allergy shots or using pharmaceuticals to treat symptoms is not appealing and acupuncture offers a natural and viable option.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
The seasonal allergy symptom complex is the body’s reaction to specific allergens or substances that cause allergic reactions. Pollen is a common allergen that can cause seasonal hay fever symptoms or allergic rhinitis, a reaction of inflammation on the inside of the nose. As the allergen tumbles into a nasal passage it triggers a series of unpleasant symptoms and the release of histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that almost 8 percent of adults in the United States experience allergic rhinitis symptoms.
While most of us think of sneezing and runny nose as the typical signs of a seasonal allergy many are surprised to find that sore throat, fatigue, cough, itchy dry skin, watery and itchy eyes, swelling and discoloration under the eyes, clogged and itchy ears, and headaches are also common symptoms of it. People will often experience some of those symptoms immediately after coming into contact with an allergen. Other symptoms often occur after long-term exposure to the allergens.
Promising Research for Acupuncture & Allergies
Several studies have shown acupuncture’s benefits for treating people suffering from allergic rhinitis. The results demonstrate that acupuncture, in some cases, is a better treatment than antihistamines.
At the University Medical Center in Berlin, 422 people took part in a study on acupuncture treatment of allergies. One group received “sham” or false acupuncture, with needles being placed randomly throughout the body. Another was provided antihistamines. The third group took part in acupuncture. The acupuncture group received the greatest level of relief from their symptoms.
A similar study took place in China and Korea. The trials and setup of the experiment were comparable to the German research. Participants reported a drastic improvement in their allergy symptoms which lead to an improvement in quality of life.
Why You Should Try Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are a fact of life for millions. They can expect pollen season to trigger symptoms. They’ll break out the neti pot or the nasal spray to help clear congestion, or they’ll grab their go-to brand of over-the-counter treatment.
Treatment options like these are often helpful. But not everyone wants to stay on a regular cycle of taking medicine every day, or multiple times a day, to get relief. They want a quality of life that reduces their allergic symptoms without the expense and challenges of pharmaceutical treatment.
Acupuncture is a pain-free treatment. It’s rooted in thousands of years of practice as traditional Chinese medicine. Research continues to prove that acupuncture is a viable treatment option and often complementary to pharmaceutical options.
When the pollen count becomes worse, consider trying acupuncture to experience long-term relief.