Written by Integrative Today | Medically Reviewed by Deborah Farley | Updated on
Richmond, Virginia, is the worst city in the United States for seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
In early spring, dry winds in Virginia spread allergens from blooming trees and raise the pollen count. While you can avoid trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds to relieve your allergies, this is easier said than done.
Fortunately, the good news is there is hope for allergy sufferers in Virginia in the form of a needle!
Find out how acupuncture for allergies can turn your sneeze into a smile.
Acupuncture Overview
Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that treats medical issues such as chronic pain and allergies. It is an ancient practice based on the belief that the human body has thousands of acupuncture points connected by “meridians”, or paths.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC), each meridian is associated with a different system in the body. The placement of needles is based on targeting the organ connected with the condition undergoing treatment.
The physical act of needle insertion stimulates points in the body to rebalance the body’s energy, or “qi,” and encourage the body to heal itself. While acupuncture has roots in TMC, it is now standard treatment worldwide.
Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies are year-round; there is no “one” season for allergies. However, spring tends to be the worst period for many allergy sufferers.
During this time, seasonal allergy sufferers experience symptoms varying from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of the allergy attack, symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Itchy sinuses
- Watery eyes
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Ear congestion
- Wheezing
- Throat irritation
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Phlegm
During peak allergy season, sufferers often stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and wear sunglasses to protect their eyes. Unfortunately, there are times when you can’t avoid exposure to pollens. Thankfully, allergy relief is only a few needles away.
Acupuncture for Allergies: How It Works
When acupuncture is used for allergies, a practitioner may target several meridians on the lungs, colon, and stomach to provide allergy relief. Many people choose acupuncture as an alternative treatment to oral medications and immunotherapy. Treatment typically involves one to two weekly appointments over several weeks or months.
The goal of acupuncture for allergies is to:
- Boost immunity
- Alleviate stress
- Relieve pain
By stimulating the qi in a particular area, your body can naturally improve immunity and work to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Acupuncture can also aid in relieving asthma related problems and reduce inflammation.
A few acupuncture sessions may be enough to relieve symptoms for some people. However, those with more severe symptoms may use acupuncture with other conventional treatments.
Got Seasonal Allergies? Nip Them in the Bud
For most of us, allergy season means stocking up on tissues and nasal sprays. But what if the only medicine you needed was in a needle?
Acupuncture for allergies is an effective alternative treatment delivered drug-free, safe, and natural. At Acupuncture Works, LLC, we aim to treat our patients with Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT), a highly effective treatment for food, chemical and environmental allergies like aspirin, pollen, and pets.
Don’t let allergy season stop you from enjoying life!
Please schedule an appointment with us today.
Meet Our Expert: Deborah Farley
Founder of Acupuncture Works,LLC in Lynchburg Virginia. Deborah is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine as a Licensed Acupuncturist (L. Ac.).
She is also licensed by the State of Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM). Deborah is a Diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
She graduated from the East West College of Natural Medicine with a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree of Professional Health Sciences.
