Spring is here! But for people suffering from seasonal allergies, this time of year comes with not so pleasant side-effects of runny or stuffy noses, itchy watering eyes, and sneezing. Patients often come into the clinic this time of year and find great relief from their allergy symptoms due to acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is becoming more well known and a sought out modality for health care and researchers are paying attention! More and more research is coming out about the effectiveness of acupuncture for various health conditions. Here we’re excited to highlight research showing the effectiveness of acupuncture for allergy symptoms.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery recommends acupuncture as non-pharmacological therapy for allergic rhinitis. Research has shown that acupuncture is effective for those annoying seasonal and year-round symptoms of nasal congestion, runny or itchy nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes and more brought on by environmental allergies such as pollen, dust mites, molds, dander and more.
Acupuncture’s beneficial effect on regulating the immune system likely plays a role in helping reduce allergic rhinitis symptom severity, and in some studies it even performed as well or better than conventional therapies!
Self-Care Tips for Seasonal Allergies!
Minimize environmental irritants by using HEPA air filtration systems in bedroom and home
Change furnace air filter to highest quality available and keep ducting at home as clean as possible
Change bed linens including pillows frequently, use a vacuum with a HEPA-filter and clean regularly (though be aware cleaning will disturb settled dust)
Shower and change clothes immediately when coming in from the outside
Acupuncture!
Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Schedule an acupuncture appointment today.
Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1 Suppl):S1-S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600