Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are well under way. Many of us are taking every antihistamine and over the counter remedy just to make it through the day. And we’re still miserably sneezing, wiping, mouth-breathing, trying not to claw our eyes out. Just when you thought you were so excited for winter to turn to summer, BAM! – the spring allergies hit.
Okay, it doesn’t have to be this way! What if I told you a few little needles could offer some relief?! Well if you wanna take your chances I can almost bet you won’t be disappointed. Relieving allergy symptoms is one of the things that acupuncture does best on the immediate-relief scale.
Chinese Medicine explains seasonal allergies as external attack on your body. Our bodies are amazing but they can’t always protect us from everything. For example, attacking pollens on our winter-dormant Wei Qi. Wei Qi is the external Qi that protects us, our first line of defense. It’s associated with our skin and lungs. Hey, no wonder when our Wei Qi is attacked or compromised – seen with seasonal allergies, common colds, etc – we have respiratory symptoms!
Acupuncture helps relieve the symptoms and addresses the root deficiency, working to strengthen your Wei Qi. Consistent acupuncture over time can strengthen your Wei Qi, building up your natural response to seasonal allergies and hopefully less of a reaction in the future.
Chinese herbal therapy can do what acupuncture does and even more! You’ll get relief from the acupuncture session but truthfully it might not last more than a day or two. That’s where herbs come in. You take herbs daily to help continue the effects of the acupuncture session. The herbs help within 20-30minutes, sometimes instantly. I notice something with my powder herbs as soon as they are in my mouth. It is incredible. Chinese herbs influence your body in the way of strengthening it for future attacks as well.
It’s not too late. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help support your Wei Qi now. If you suffer from seasonal allergies in the summer or fall, or commonly get a cold in the fall at first sign of cool temps, let’s work to strengthen your body’s external Wei Qi. I think you’ll find that you’re much more able to enjoy the outdoors as well.
Are you hooked yet? Just a little plug for pregnancy congestion. I had a patient earlier this spring suffering from sinus congestion. Being that she was pregnant, limited over the counter remedies were providing little to no relief. Aggravated further by morning sickness, this patient was getting little sleep and had no appetite. The congestion was making her nausea so much worse. One acupuncture session with me and she experienced almost fully clear sinuses! She returned for her second session with me filled with so much gratitude.
I hope this helps you think about what Chinese Medicine can do for you and your loved ones now and to prepare for fall allergies! I’ve had patients find relief from animal dander allergies and other environmental irritants as well!
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies can help with the following and more:
Eyes: watery, weepy, dry, itchy, red,
Nose and sinus: running, stuffy, congested, pressure, pain, sneezing,
Post-nasal drip, throat constricted, crud, draining into stomach, cough,
Itchy skin; headaches; migraines; increased food sensitivities.