Seasonal allergies used to be treated only with medication. These drugs offer some people control over their allergy symptoms, but often have side effects. Drowsiness and dry mouth are among these sometimes debilitating reactions.
Allergy sufferers now have another option. Acupuncture can offer relief, without those annoying side effects. First, those who opt for acupuncture can expect treatment for congestion and sneezing, as well as other acute symptoms. Then, acupuncture can be used to build the body’s resistance to allergens like dust or pollen.
Acupuncture has long been a respected aspect of Chinese medicine. Western medicine has been slower to accept acupuncture, though it does concede that acupuncture can relieve pain and nausea. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study in 2007 that investigated the validity of acupuncture as treatment for seasonal allergies. When compared to placebos, acupuncture treatment was shown to reduce allergy symptoms.
Acupuncture, according to those who practice it, encourages the balance of a body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced chee). Chinese medicine has long though the Qi to be the source of health, or the vital source of energy in any living thing. When placed at certain meridians in the body, the acupuncture needles can strengthen the patient’s Qi, thus treating the root of the problem.
Complete elimination of any allergic reaction of any kind is not always likely, but acupuncture patients can expect significant results with reduction in symptoms.
