Seasonal Allergies and Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used to treat seasonal allergies
for centuries with great success. According to traditional medicine,
treatment is directed toward clearing the nasal passages, supporting the
immune system and strengthening the systems of the body to prevent allergic
reactions from recurring.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, a seasonal allergy is an
allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically only present for part of
the year, such as spring or fall. Pollens that are spread by the wind are
usually the main cause of seasonal allergies. People who are allergic to
pollens are also often sensitive to dust mites, animal dander, and molds.
Spring is traditionally the main season when allergies blossom because of
new growth on trees and weeds. But fall, with a whole different set of
blooming plants as well as leaf mold, is a close second.
About 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies, while the
number of people with milder symptoms may be as high as 40 million,
according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
Seasonal allergies are caused by the body's hypersensitivity to substances
in the environment. Symptoms involve primarily the membrane lining the
nose, causing allergic rhinitis, or the membrane lining the eyelids and
covering the whites of the eyes, causing allergic conjunctivitis.
While there are many Western medications to treat the symptoms of seasonal
allergies, these treatments can cause unwanted side effects, such as
drowsiness and immune system suppression as well as an over-reliance on
medications. These side effects have drawn many people to search for an
alternative approach, such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine to manage
their allergies.
How Acupuncture Treatments Provide Relief from Allergies
According to Oriental Medicine, allergic rhinitis is related to Wind and a
deficiency of the Protective< or Wei Qi. Wei Qi is the Qi that flows
at the surface of the body as a protective sheath and is responsible for
resistance to colds and other respiratory infections. People with a
deficiency of Wei Qi catch colds easily and are more susceptible to
allergens.
When treating with acupuncture, underlying imbalances within the body are
addressed and a treatment plan is developed to relieve the acute symptoms
of allergic rhinitis while also treating the root problems that are
contributing to the body's reaction to allergens. Treatments often include
dietary modification, the use of specifically chosen herbal formulas, and
acupuncture.
If you experience seasonal allergies, now is the time to schedule an
appointment. Please call for a consultation today.
Studies on Acupuncture for Allergies
There have been several studies that
confirm the efficacy of acupuncture and herbal medicine for allergic
rhinitis.
One such study recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed
that acupuncture can significantly relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
In the study, 5,237 men and women were analyzed to evaluate the
effectiveness of acupuncture in addition to routine care in patients with
allergic rhinitis compared with treatment with routine care alone.
In this trial, patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to
receive acupuncture for a 3 month period or to a control group that
received no acupuncture. All patients were allowed to receive usual medical
care.
Improvements were noted at the 3 month and the 6 month evaluation for the
patients receiving acupuncture. The authors of this trial concluded that
treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional
acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.
Another study that was published in Allergy: European Journal of Allergy
and Clinical Immunology found that hay fever sufferers who received weekly
acupuncture treatments and took three daily doses of medical herbal tea
showed fewer symptoms and were less likely to say their hay fever was
infringing on their daily activities than people who received placebo
treatment. After six weeks it was found that 85 percent of patients showed
overall improvements in their hay fever, compared with only 40 percent of
the placebo group.
Sources:
Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. September,
2004
American Journal of Epidemiology. November, 2008
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In This Issue
·
Seasonal
Allergies and Acupuncture
·
Studies on Acupuncture
for Allergies
·
Foods for
Seasonal Allergies
Foods for Seasonal Allergies
Ginger: Ginger is a natural antihistamine and
decongestant. It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating
constricted bronchial tubes.
Apples: Some foods, including apples, contain the flavanoid,
quercetin that can cross-react with tree pollen. Quercetin can reduce allergic
reactions by having an antihistamine effect. It also decreases
inflammation. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods, such as apples
(with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.
Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include
beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote
inflammation in your airways. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots,
carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard
greens.
Omega-3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of
chemicals that cause inflammation of the air passages. Good natural sources
include flaxseed oil and salmon.
Yogurt: Food sensitivities seem to be connected with seasonal
allergies. In a study conducted at the University of California, patients
who were fed 18 to 24 ounces of yogurt a day experienced a decline in their
environmental allergic symptoms by 90 percent.
Fiber: A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity, which,
in turn, can lighten the burden on your immune system and may reduce the
impact of seasonal allergies. For maximum colon health, increase the fiber
in your diet.
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