Often triggered by airborne allergens like pollen and dust, seasonal allergies trigger symptoms like breathing difficulties, runny nose, nasal congestion, or dry, itchy eyes. Medications are typically used to treat allergic reactions, but alternative therapy like acupuncture can offer relief as well. Here’s a closer look at how it can help.  

How Acupuncture Helps with Seasonal Allergies

As a form of treatment, acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to address complaints like pain. A licensed acupuncturist knows the exact locations to pierce to bring back the flow of energy or qi, imbalanced by the presence of allergens. Under traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the body’s immunity that flows in the lung, colon, stomach, and spleen meridians. When allergies attack, they block the flow that results in physical symptoms like sneezing, inflammation, and conjunctivitis, among others. Acupuncture restores the flow to its original state—unblocked and free.

Several studies have shown that acupuncture alleviated the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Study participants who received acupuncture treatments reported relief from nasal congestion, runny nose, and other complaints. While the study results of this alternative treatment vary across the board and require further research, some patients who underwent acupuncture can attest to its effectiveness in improving symptoms—and sometimes, much more than medicines like antihistamines and decongestants.

Why Consider Trying It

Since acupuncture relies heavily on natural therapy, it dispenses the use of medicines for addressing allergic reactions. It is relatively safe, as it removes the possibility of adverse side effects from conventional anti-allergy medications or treatments. Sometimes, acupuncture works better in conjunction with other treatments and may reduce one’s dependence on medications. If you’re looking for more relief from your allergies, you may want to try acupuncture as an alternative or complementary treatment. As with anything, the success of the therapy will depend on how experienced or competent your acupuncturist is.  

When you want to know more about how acupuncture can help with your seasonal allergy, contact Marie Gonzales, L.Ac. Based in Nyack, NY, this health and wellness professional has over 20 years of experience in acupuncture treatment, natural healing, and cupping therapy. Call (845) 398-1312 to set an appointment or read testimonials from satisfied clients online.