Acupuncture for Allergies
Each year, almost $6 billion are spent on medications for the treatment of allergies, with another $300 million spent on office visits. In America, an estimated 50 million people suffer from a variety of allergies. In each case, a person’s allergies are specific to certain allergens. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction, where the body may identify it as foreign or dangerous.
So, what is an allergy you ask? An allergy is defined as your immune system’s exaggerated reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Your immune system is usually pretty good at distinguishing between the good stuff and bad stuff in your body, but in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals to fight it off. This is what causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, swelling, hives, rashes, mucus production, muscles spasms, and more.
Acupuncture is an incredibly helpful treatment for allergies, sometimes curing it altogether. In Chinese medicine, allergies are said to be caused by an “invasion of wind cold.” Treatment is aimed at dispersing “wind” and nourishing the immune system. In western medicine, acupuncture is known to balance the unconscious responses of the nervous system, thereby decreasing the body’s reactivity to allergens. In effect, acupuncture improves the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
After treatment, patients often feel calmer, can sleep better, and withstand illness more easily. This is probably due to the fact that acupuncture significantly decreases stress levels. Furthermore, the ancient Chinese thought that acupuncture could improve life span. Since we know that stress increases cell deterioration, it is possible that acupuncture does fight aging and help us live longer.
If you’re interested in acupuncture to treat your allergies, please call the location nearest you.
Syracuse – 315.671.6755
Rochester – 585.244.1280 ext.2
Latham – 518.724.5750