Seasonal Allergies

Allergies, including conditions like allergic rhinitis and hay fever, are affecting a growing number of Americans each year and more of them are turning to over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs to provide some relief.

While these medications are often effective at relieving allergy symptoms, they do nothing to address the cause of the problem. Chinese Medicine has a clear explanation for why individuals suffer with allergies and has many good solutions to address the underlying causes.

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Common Allergy Symptoms:
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy Eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Scratchy throat
  • Sinus headache
  • Fatigue[/box]

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Causes of Allergies:
  • Sensitivity to Environmental Toxins (Chemicals, Pollutants, Waste)
  • Dust, Mold, Trees, Pets, etc.
  • Genetic Predisposition
  • A Chinese Medical Perspective on Allergies

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Allergies represent the body’s inability to deal with a typically benign substance. This is the result of a weakened immune system or Zheng Qi (jung chee). A number of factors contribute to this weakened state. Your acupuncturist will look at the strength of your Lungs, Liver, Kidney and Digestive System (known as the Spleen in Chinese Medicine) to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Usually people have an imbalance in two of these organ systems, but occasionally all four are involved.

Recommended Treatment

If you know when your symptoms will present, it’s a good idea to begin treatment the month before they arrive. This will give your body a chance to build up its defenses before allergens are at their highest concentration in your environment. A typical course of treatment is about 3 months, with acupuncture treatments occurring at least every 3 weeks. You may also need to make dietary and lifestyle changes like eliminating caffeine and engaging in a regular exercise program. This gives your body the best chance possible of dealing with airborne allergens.

In summary:

  • Begin treatment 1 month before
  • Treat with acupuncture and herbs for 1-3 months
  • Make appropriate dietary changes
  • Follow up treatments periodically to keep your system strong