Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Seasonal Allergies
Spring is just around the corner, and so are your lurking allergies.
But they don’t have to be. We all know the usual suspects: trees, grasses, those cheery-faced dandelions. All pretty to look at after a dreary winter dull-scape, and all murder on your sinuses every year. But how do seasonal allergies arise according to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and most importantly, how do these strategies help?
ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE DON’T FOCUS SOLELY ON SEASONAL SYMPTOMS, WHICH CAN LOOK LIKE:
Sneezing
Coughing
Runny Nose or Post-nasal Drip
Itchy, watery eyes
Loss of appetite
The foundations of Acupuncture place a lot of emphasis on the health of our organ systems, and subsequently the smooth flow of Qi, Blood and Fluids throughout the channels of the body. The organ that most governs that free and healthy flow is our (probably) long-suffering Liver, which is also the organ most associated Spring. The Liver should be strongest during this season, but through life stressors and an over-processed environment, our Liver gets tired. And like so many of us: when it gets tired, it gets angry and rebellious.
The Liver is our Type-A multi-tasker, and much like in Western scientific understanding, it’s working hard to purify our system, and metabolize our stress.
WHAT DOES STAGNANT LIVER QI LOOK LIKE?
Seasonal Allergies
Irritability and Anger
Frequent Sighing
Digestive complaints like intestinal cramping, bloating, or chest fullness
Itchy, red, or watering eyes
Menstrual pain
Working with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine creates a symbiotic approach to fortify our immune defenses, and dispel any seasonal allergy symptoms. Along with the natural anti-histamine effects of Acupuncture, we’ll oftentimes utilize Chinese medicinal formulas to keep our Liver healthy and strong.
DURING SPRINGTIME WE CAN ALSO INCORPORATE LIVER HAPPY FOODS SUCH AS:
Ginger
Dandelion
Broccoli
Garlic
It’s best to begin treatment before your symptoms kick in. But even if they’re already present, treatment can help to mitigate your personal brand of seasonal unpleasantries.
If you’re ready to feel relief from seasonal symptoms, feel free to reach out or book a visit to my offices in either NoHo or Williamsburg. I’d love to help you find the best combination of Acupuncture, Herbs, and Dietary Strategies to help you enjoy the season.
