Seasonal Allergy Relief With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Do you suffer from allergies? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world deal with allergies on a daily basis. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be a great way to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with allergies. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways that Chinese medicine can help alleviate allergy symptoms. We will also provide dietary recommendations and tips for using herbal medicine to treat your symptoms.
What are allergies?
Allergies are a reaction of the immune system to something that is typically harmless to most people. The immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to fight off the allergen. These antibodies then cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Some people may also experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, or hives.
There are many different types of allergies, but the most common are hay fever, food allergies, and pet allergies. Seasonal allergies (or hay fever) are typically caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Food allergies can be triggered by anything from peanuts to strawberries. Pet allergies are usually caused by dander, which is a mixture of skin cells, hair, and saliva.
So what causes these allergies? In most cases, it is due to an autoimmune reaction. This means that the body’s immune system mistakes the allergen for a harmful substance and overreacts. In some cases, allergies can also be caused by a virus or bacteria.
There is no cure for allergies, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Avoiding the allergen is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. However, this is not always possible, especially with seasonal allergies.
Acupuncture and herbs for allergies
Acupuncture is one of the most popular methods of Chinese medicine. It is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. This is done in order to clear blockages and restore balance.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for allergies. A study conducted in 2014 showed that acupuncture was more effective than medication in treating seasonal allergies. The study found that acupuncture reduced the symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It also helped to improve quality of life for those who were treated with acupuncture.
In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can also be used to treat allergies. There are many different herbs that can be used, each with its own specific benefits. Herbs can be taken in the form of capsules, powders, or teas. At Chrystal Clinic, we offer various herbal options for allergies including pill form supplements as well as custom herbal formulas from our pharmacy.
Diet is also an important part of Chinese medicine. Certain foods can help to improve the symptoms of allergies, while others can make them worse. For example, drinking ginger tea can help to reduce the symptoms of a runny nose. Eating foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges and grapefruits, can also help to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of allergies.
At our practice, we have noticed that foods rich in sugars, gluten, and dairy can make allergies worse, by a) impeding our body’s ability to cycle out and purify from harmful substances but also b) by increasing your stress levels.
Stress reduction and allergy relief
Stress can have a significant impact on the body’s immune system. When the body is stressed, it produces hormones that can suppress the immune system.
This can make the body more susceptible to allergies and other illnesses. By reducing stress levels, you can help to improve your immune system and reduce the severity of your allergies.
There are many different ways to reduce stress. Acupuncture can greatly reduce the stress that stores in key areas of your body while manifesting as notable reactions to your external environment.
Incorporating a modest yoga practice into your self-care routine is an easy and effective way to rid stress from your life. Getting enough sleep is also important, as stress can lead to fatigue.
About Chrystal Clinic
Chrystal Clinic is your trusted mind-body health center serving Northern Illinois and beyond. We offer an integrated spectrum of modalities that empower you to heal naturally. We recommend booking your acupuncture appointment as your first step towards seasonal allergy relief. From there, our practitioners can offer a range of products and treatment options that are right for you.
“Wonderful practitioners who actually listen to you! Will be returning for more sessions.”