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Allergies

What is Acupuncture For

Allergies ?

For some people, a few acupuncture sessions may be enough to relieve allergy symptoms. For others, whose symptoms are more severe, acupuncture may be used in conjunction with other conventional treatments like over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays.
Allergy

Symptom Relief

Depending on the substance involved, it can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:

  • . Sneezing
  • . Itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
  • . Runny, stuffy nose
  • . Watery, red, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • . Anaphylaxis
  • . Watery, red, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

An insect sting allergy can cause:

A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site Itching or hives all over the body Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can cause:

Hives Itchy skin Rash Facial swelling Wheezing Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:

Itch Redden Flake or peel
How Does

Acupuncture Work?

During an acupuncture session, a licensed acupuncturist will apply several thin needles into different areas of your skin—called acupuncture points. Your body contains thousands of these acupuncture points, which are all thought to be attached to pathways in the body called meridians. Each meridian is associated with an organ or system in the body, and an acupuncturist will target points and meridians based on the health issue you’re seeking treatment for.

The acupuncture points targeted for allergies will be different from those targeted for say, back pain or headaches.

Can Acupuncture Heal

Allergies?

While some people see prolonged relief after only one session, others require multiple sessions over 4-6 weeks to realign your body’s immune system response.
What are

other acupuncture techniques?

Allergy treatments include:
  • . Allergen avoidance. Your provider will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers.
  • . Medications. Depending on your allergy, medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms.
  • . Immunotherapy.
  • . Emergency epinephrine.
treatments

How many acupuncture treatments are needed for allergies?

Overall, your recommended session frequency is dependent on your personal needs and the severity of your allergy symptoms. While some people see prolonged relief after only one session, others require multiple sessions over 4-6 weeks to realign your body’s immune system response.
How to Get

Acupuncture

If you’re interested in pursuing acupuncture for allergy treatment, discuss your interest with your primary care doctor, allergist, or an integrative medicine specialist to make sure it’s safe for you. Your provider can also help you find a licensed acupuncturist to ensure you’re getting safe, effective treatment.
What To Expect

During An Acupuncture Session

When acupuncture is used for allergies, several meridians located on the front of the body may be targeted, including the lungs, colon, stomach, and spleen. These meridians are believed to circulate defensive qi, a type of energy linked to immunity.
During The

Acupuncture Treatment

Allergy treatments include:

Allergen avoidance.

Your doctor will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers. This is generally the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.

Medications

Depending on your allergy, medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms.

Immunotherapy

For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatments, your doctor might recommend allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years. Another form of immunotherapy is a tablet that's placed under the tongue (sublingual) until it dissolves. Sublingual drugs are used to treat some pollen allergies.

Uses of

Acupuncture

When acupuncture is used for allergies, several meridians located on the front of the body may be targeted, including the lungs, colon, stomach, and spleen. These meridians are believed to circulate defensive qi, a type of energy linked to immunity.

Risks

Side effects may include:

Pain and bruising

You may experience minor pain or discomfort at needle sites after an acupuncture treatment. You may also have light bleeding.

Injury

 If performed improperly, needles could be pushed into the skin too deeply and injure an organ or lung.

Infection

Acupuncture needles are required to be sterile. If a practitioner uses unsterilized needles or reuses old needles, you could be exposed to life-threatening diseases.

Results

Allergies are common and don’t have life-threatening consequences for most people. People who are at risk of anaphylaxis can learn how to manage their allergies and what to do in an emergency.

Most allergies are manageable with avoidance, medications, and lifestyle changes.

FAQ's

What is the best acupuncture point for allergy?
Background. Allergic rhinitis is a common respiratory disease. Acupuncture is very common in traditional Chinese medicine, and generally, the L120, ST2, and ST36 acupoints are targets in clinical practice.
What are the 7 acupuncture points?
Shenmen (HT7) means “Spirit Gate”, which means a gate/door to access our spirit/mind/emotion.
How long does acupuncture last?
An initial acupuncture session usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history, and a physical examination, followed by the insertion of the acupuncture needles.
What are the general facts about acupuncture?
Six Fun Facts About Acupuncture
  • . There are More than 2,000 Acupuncture Points.
  • . It Doesn't Hurt and is Relaxing.
  • . Acupuncture Has Been Around for Thousands of Years.
  • . Acupuncture is Regulated.
  • . Can be Used with Electricity.
  • . Acupuncture Treats.
  • . Everything from Pain to Infertility.

Begin The Process Of
Staying Well

Healing Pain and Balancing the Body Through Acupuncture
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