Spring’s blooms should energize us and inspire us to head outside and connect with nature. But if you’re one of the 19.2 million people who struggle with seasonal allergies, the appearance of new life in spring may signal a frustrating few months ahead.
Runny noses, itchy eyes, and constant sneezing can make it difficult for anyone to enjoy the season. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer through spring. If you’re struggling with spring allergies and want to take a natural approach to allergy relief, acupuncture can help.
What Causes Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies are caused by an immune system response to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these plants begin to bloom, they release tiny particles into the air known as pollen. In some, the immune system mistakes these pollen particles as harmful invaders and overreacts, releasing chemicals like histamine to fight off the perceived threat. This results in symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion.
While there are many treatments available, most conventional approaches to allergies only act as a “Band-Aid” – they only cover up the symptoms and don’t treat the root cause of why you experience allergies in the first place. Not to mention, over-the-counter allergy medications have negative side effects and may further deplete the immune system.
Thankfully, acupuncture offers a different approach that addresses the root cause of allergies and improves your overall health.
3 Ways Acupuncture Helps Clear Away Spring Allergy Symptoms
Research shows acupuncture is an effective way to treat spring allergies and issues like allergic rhinitis and chronic sinus infections. Here’s how:
- Acupuncture reduces sinus inflammation.
When the body mounts an allergic response, the sinus, nasal, and respiratory tissues become inflamed. This inflammation is what also causes sinus swelling, watery eyes, pain and soreness, and mucus production. Thankfully, acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to clear inflammation in the nasal passages to reduce these annoying symptoms and improve your breathing. - Acupuncture improves circulation and the flow of qi.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, allergies are caused by an imbalance in the body’s energy flow, or Qi. This lack of flow causes symptoms (like sinus pressure and chest congestion). By inserting needles into specific points on the body, Dr. Ko helps your Qi flow properly and swelling, pressure, and irritation stops. As a result, your airways open and you can breathe freely again. - Acupuncture boosts immune power.
Acupuncture has been proven to positively regulate the immune system. From an Oriental medicine point of view, if Qi does not flow properly, or if we don’t have enough Qi, the immune system becomes stressed and weak. As a result, we are more susceptible to issues like allergies and frequent colds. By restoring the proper flow and stimulating the body’s natural defense system, we not only stop allergy symptoms but prevent allergies from occurring in the first place.
As Dr. Ko puts it simply, “If the weak part of the body is treated regularly, the immunity is improved.”
Other Tips to Avoid Allergies this Spring
Beyond acupuncture, there are many lifestyle habits that can help you build your defenses against spring allergies.
- Do a deep clean.
Pollen and grasses are responsible for many people’s spring allergies. But other allergens can lurk in the home and continually trigger your immune system. Give your home a “spring clean” by dusting, vacuuming, and replacing your home air filters or purifiers. Be sure to wear a mask while cleaning to avoid breathing in dust and mold particles. - Clear the air with essential oils.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can also help reduce allergy symptoms. Use a diffuser or add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to your chest or temples. - Try a sinus wash.
If you want to prevent allergies, Dr. Ko recommends washing with salt water in the morning and evening with a neti pot. - Eat immune-boosting foods.
During allergy season, your immune system needs even more vitamins and minerals to operate properly. Enjoy a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetables to get a wide variety of nutrients.
Vitamin C is particularly helpful – it acts as a natural antihistamine and can help reduce sinus inflammation and chest congestion. Enjoy foods rich in vitamin C such as kiwis, oranges, strawberries, red bell peppers, and hibiscus flower tea.
Quercetin is a polyphenol and natural antihistamine found in foods such as apples, onions, and green tea. It can help reduce inflammation and may help keep allergy symptoms at bay. - Exercise regularly.
Exercise isn’t just good for your cardiovascular system – it’s good for your respiratory and immune systems too. Daily aerobic activity strengthens the respiratory system, which can improve your body’s ability to handle allergens. Plus, exercise reduces the inflammation that contributes to an overactive immune system and allergy symptoms.
Get Natural Allergy Relief at 120 Acupuncture Clinic
Allergies can turn even the most beautiful spring day into a miserable experience. If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to treat your allergies, acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective solution.
At 120 Acupuncture Clinic, we offer acupuncture and other Oriental medicine therapies that stop allergy symptoms and restore your immune balance from the root.
Book your appointment today, or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to live free from allergies and fully embrace the spring season.