Well, we are in it again…allergy season. Yay! So, what is exactly happening to our bodies for those of us who are susceptible to allergies. Well, Allergic Rhinitis, or hay fever, is an example of misplaced immunity. It is a learned response by the immune system wherein rapid physiological changes resulting in itchy eyes and throat, sinus congestion and sneezing, asthma, and even diarrhea are produced. Typically, exposure to an allergen such as tree pollen elicits a massive release of IgE antibodies which attach to white blood cells known as mast cells. These cells are mostly located in the lungs and upper respiratory tract, the lining of the stomach and the skin. When these cells are stimulated, they release a number of chemicals including histamine which produce the allergic symptoms.
Chinese medicine offers allergy sufferers a way to strengthen their bodies and significantly reduce their symptoms, without unpleasant side effects. Don’t spend another season suffering unnecessary symptoms due to your allergies!
Acupuncture is used to balance and remove blockages in the body's energy (qi). It also strengthens the Lung and Liver Qi and in particular the Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to block the "invasion of wind" (in our western thinking, blocking the noxious air-borne pollens, bacteria and virus pathogens). A weakened liver gives way to blood deficiency (by Chinese standard, NOT necessarily anemia by western standard). Blood deficiency leaves space in the vessels, making them ripe for invasion by wind. Disturbances of the liver are often compared to the wind moving through the trees. Itchy eyes and skin rashes, that come on suddenly, fall into this description. When the wind attacks, it attacks at the exposed surface of the body, the skin. The skin and its defensive capacities belong to the lungs. When the temperature rises, the pores open and the defensive shield of the lungs is further weakened.
Acupuncture has been shown to decrease heat associated with allergies. This can manifest as a sore throat, swollen sinuses and red eyes. There are specific acupressure points on the body that can almost instantaneously relieve these symptoms. Many allergy sufferers report pain in various areas of the body, especially the eyes and head. Acupuncture actually addresses the root of the pain rather than just masking it. The pain associated with allergies can prevent people from enjoying life, but regular acupuncture treatments can help resolve that and allow people to be more active and happier.
Probably the biggest reason to seek out acupuncture for the treatment of allergies is the amount of money a person will save. Apparently, we will collectively spend over $18 billion this year on over-the-counter allergy medications, most of which only give minimal relief and have side effects like drowsiness and immune system suppression. Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide relief without adverse side effects and for a lot less money overall.