Spring into Wellness: Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergy Relief

Spring has arrived — promising warmer days, birdsong, and flowers in bloom. However, for allergy sufferers, it is a time of itchy eyes, runny noses, and headaches. You’ll spot most people rushing to the store to buy antihistamines and nasal sprays to help reduce the symptoms, unaware of natural remedies outside of traditional Western Medicine. 

Acupuncture, a form of traditional East Asian Medicine (EAM), can be used as a natural alternative to ease many of the symptoms associated with spring allergies. 

What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a centuries-old technique derived from East Asian practices that promotes balance, wellness, and healing. The therapeutic procedure involves inserting ultra-thin, sterile needles into the body at different locations and depths, known as acupoints. These acupoints are strategically located along meridians—energy pathways facilitating the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital life force. 

By targeting these acupoints, acupuncture helps restore internal balance and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. At VUIM CLINIC, our  professionally licensed practitioners of acupuncture view health through a holistic lens, treating the human body as a complex interconnected system, where each part affects the whole. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that imbalances in one area can lead to symptoms in seemingly unrelated parts of the body. 

Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, acupuncture provides a gentle, drug-free approach to wellness, making it an attractive choice for those looking for natural ways to support their health. Combining acupuncture alongside other therapies such as massages, plant-based herbal medicine prescriptions, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise and dietary choices can dramatically support bringing a harmonious balance to one’s mental and physical wellbeing!

What are Spring Allergies?

 

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as Hay fever, is an allergic reaction triggered by the immune system’s response to airborne allergens. This typically comes from pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. In the US, approximately 81 million people were diagnosed with hay fever, equalling 26% of adults and 19% of children, according to the National Centre for Health Statistics. 

When a person with hay fever encounters pollen, their immune system perceives it as a threat and triggers a response. This involves the release of histamines and other chemicals, leading to inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, throat, and eyes. These symptoms can disrupt daily activities or affect leisure time, making allergy season a strenuous time for those affected. 

What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever? 

Hay fever symptoms can range from mild to severe, often mimicking common cold symptoms. Some of the classic signs of hay fever include: 

•  Sneezing: This occurs as the body attempts to expel the allergens from the nasal passages. 

• Runny or blocked nose: This occurs due to increased mucus production in response to the allergens. 

• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat: This occurs as your nose and throat work to eject the allergen from your body. 

• Tiredness and fatigue: A mixture of disrupted sleep due to symptoms can lead to feeling fatigued during the day. 

•  Itchy and watery eyes: This is the body’s natural response to wash pollen out, which may become red and itchy as the immune system reacts. 

  
  

Treating Allergies with Acupuncture 

According to EAM, allergy symptoms can lead to an imbalanced distribution of Qi. During the process of acupuncture, your practitioner will identify the blockages and correct them to create a free-flowing environment for Qi. 

For example, some allergy symptoms are located in the head, such as itchy eyes and headaches. This indicates that there is a blockage that is preventing the smooth flow of Qi energy between the head and the rest of the body. Your practitioner would place the needles in the acupoints on the head and neck to open the channels and allow the energy to flow smoothly again. 

Acupuncture may also help to reduce nasal congestion and sneezing while boosting the immune system to reduce the overall allergic response. Additionally, research on the neuro-endocrine immune system has shown that acupuncture can stimulate nerves located in muscles and other tissues to release natural chemicals, such as endorphins and cortisol, which help to reduce inflammation and pain, easing spring allergies.  

Although acupuncture has been practiced for centuries, modern scientific research is still uncovering its effectiveness in relieving allergy symptoms. A review published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy concluded that acupuncture could be a safe and valid treatment option for patients with allergic rhinitis. Another study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology demonstrated that acupuncture treatment is a safe and effective option for patients seeking relief from Seasonal allergic rhinitis. 

Maximizing Acupuncture’s Benefits

Combining acupuncture with other lifestyle adjustments can maximize the benefits of acupuncture. Suggestions include: 

• Implement More Magnesium. Incorporating foods such as salmon, spinach, and sunflower seeds can help to make your body work. Magnesium keeps your heart rhythm steady, blood sugar levels balanced, and helps your body to create protein, bone, and DNA.

• Use an Air Purifier. Having an air purifier in your home can help to remove pollen allergens from the air you breathe. 

• Increase Your Intake of Yellow and Orange Fruits. Fruits such as carrots, pineapple, or sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods can strengthen the immune system, protect the heart, and boost overall health. 

Ready to Relieve Your Spring Allergies with Acupuncture? 

Take the next step toward an allergy-free spring and reclaim your energy for the season ahead! Schedule a consultation at VUIM Clinic today and experience the benefits of a natural allergy remedy. 

References

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2. Cui, Jingwen, et al. “Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Acupuncture Regulating Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network System.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 8, no. 8, 30 July 2021, p. 149, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8402722/, https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8080149.

3. ‌Feng, Shaoyan, et al. “Acupuncture for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, vol. 29, no. 1, Jan. 2015, pp. 57–62, https://doi.org/10.2500/ajra.2015.29.4116.

4. Ng, A., & Boersma, P. (2023, January 26). Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/122809

5. Slavin, Joanne L., and Beate Lloyd. “Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables.” Advances in Nutrition, vol. 3, no. 4, 6 July 2012, pp. 506–516, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/, https://doi.org/10.3945/an.112.002154.

6. Xue, Charlie Changli, et al. “Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, vol. 115, no. 4, Oct. 2015, pp. 317-324.e1, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2015.05.017. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.