Acupuncture Treats Seasonal Allergies

Springtime is arriving early here in Iowa City. While most of us are thrilled, the change of seasons is bittersweet for others. Running nose, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes causes much suffering. Millions of dollars are spent on medications and the allergy shots to treatment seasonal allergies in the US alone.

Western medicine views seasonal allergies as a form of immediate hypersensitivity reaction which occurs when anti-bodies interact with airborne particles such as pollen. The Chinese medical interpretation also recognizes a close relationship between diet and nutrition, as well as season.

I find it satisfying to treat seasonal allergies with acupuncture. There is often a quick response - patients even get relief during the first visit while lying on the exam table with needles in place! After an initial series of treatments (3-4 sessions), patients return for further treatments on an as needed basis. Some come back in once or twice a year for a booster while others may come more often.

When combined with nutritional support, allergy relief is longer lasting. For example, patients do better if they avoid sugar and milk in their diets. We also carry some herbs and immune boosting teas in our growing pharmacy to help with your spring allergies.

For those new to acupuncture but with a lifetime of allergies, it's important to note that many patients who fail medication and allergy shots do respond to acupuncture. Patients may continue with their current allergy regimen/treatments while getting acupuncture treatments. Most patients are thrilled to find they end up significantly reducing or eliminating their dependence on allergy medications.

Call Health On Point to schedule your treatment for allergy support, or stop by for a complimentary consult  and to learn about herbal remedies.