Acupuncture and Allergies

We are lucky to live in a city with so many trees and green spaces. For many people, this also means that seasonal allergies take effect for many months out of the year, especially during the spring and the fall.

Seasonal allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to external elements of the environment, such as pollen, dust, and mold.  Symptoms include watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, itchy throat, and sometimes difficulty breathing.  Some people may experience an increase in headaches or even migraines as a result. We call these allergies “seasonal” because they happen at specific times of the year when certain plants are sprouting and producing pollen, or when leaves are falling from trees and decomposing.  This is in comparison to allergies to food or animal dander, which happen at any time.

Acupuncture treatments help our immune systems regulate and reduce inflammation. This reduces the symptoms we experience with allergies, as well as address the root cause.  Additionally, acupuncturists treat areas of the body that can strengthen the lungs and reduce phlegm.  There are specific points used to resolve congestion and headaches.

In my clinic, I have noticed that the most effective treatment strategy is to begin the treatments before the allergy season starts and continue regularly throughout the season.  In addition to acupuncture, I also recommend using an air purifier in the home and keeping bedroom windows closed.  Pollen can get trapped in hair, so wearing a hat or hair covering outdoors is helpful, as well as rinsing hair before bed and changing pillowcases regularly.  Pets love to be outdoors in the beautiful weather and pollen collects on their fur, so brushing or rinsing their fur, especially before having them in bed, will help keep pollen away.  

Honey can be a preventative food for allergies to local plants. We have many local apiaries within Philadelphia with bees that collect nectar from the neighborhoods.  The honey can be purchased at local markets so we can benefit and also support our local businesses and ecosystem.

Acupuncture, along with other preventative measures, can be a useful tool to help manage seasonal allergies.