Ascension Wellness Center & Healing Day Spa

How do you know Spring has arrived?  The air feels fresh, clean and light, your nose is running, you have watery eyes, and you are sneezing uncontrollably.   Seasonal allergies affect at least 1/3 of the American population.  A study published in September 2004 of Allergy magazine concluded that a combination of Chinese herbs and weekly Acupuncture treatments can alleviate the symptoms and may help with preventing allergies

Allergies are trigger by our immune system incorrectly identifying pollen as a harmful pathogen and become overactive to defend your body.  Western prescribed medication or over the counter medication only counteracts symptoms.  In addition, some of the medications have side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, anxiety and fatigue.

Diagnosing allergy with Chinese medicine is far more individualized than Western medicine. Allergies are analyzed by the pattern of symptoms seen in the specific patient, and the treatment is designed to relieve these particular symptoms. Chinese Medicine uses a two pronged approach – “root and branch”- for treating Allergies. The branch is the symptoms themselves:  the runny nose, the watery eyes, and the sneezing.

The root cause of Allergies is usually weak Lung Qi and weak Spleen Qi.  Lung Qi is associated with the entire function of the respiratory tract which includes the nasal passages.  Weak Lung Qi indicates that the respiratory tract is under performing.   Spleen Qi is associated with the digestive system and fluid metabolism.  Weak Spleen Qi indicates poor digestive function and fluid metabolism, which can lead to an overproduction of mucous, which tends to collect in the Lungs.  Weak Lung and Spleen Qi is not the only root cause of Allergies.  To correctly diagnosis what is the root cause, I would need to do a complete patient intake.   Once the Allergy “branch” has dissipated, it is important to continue your treatments to resolve the root cause.

For the majority of my patients, Acupuncture bringing immediate relief after I insert the hair-like needles.  The majority of needles are inserted into specific points on the arms and legs.  In severe cases, hair-like needles are inserted in the forehead and around the nose.   These points can stop the sneezing, relieve congestion and calm down the overactive immune system.

Suggested things that you can do to help yourself:

• Dairy products can cause mucous.  To decrease sinus congestion, decrease dairy intake
• Wheat can cause inflammation, therefore limit your Wheat intake.
• Vitamin C rich foods are a natural antihistamine.  Rich Vitamin C foods are citrus fruits, strawberries, melons, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage.
• Low Magnesium has been linked to Allergies.  Included magnesium foods into your diet such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, salmon, spinach, and chard.
• Quercetin is an antioxidant, high in bioflavonoid and has an antihistamine effect and decrease inflammation. Quercetin can be found in red grapes, tomatoes, apples (with skin on), onions and leafy green vegetables.
• Beta-carotene is another antioxidant and it supports the respiratory system.  Examples are yellow and orange fruits, such as carrots, yams, mangoes, papayas, and green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach.

Most importantly get a weekly Acupuncture treatment during the Allergy season. If possible start your Acupuncture treatments before your Allergies starts.

For more info check Lory’s Acupuncture page.