Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, often causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Whether you suffer from dust allergy, chronic sinus congestion, or seasonal hay fever, allergies can undoubtedly make your life miserable.
While conventional remedies like antihistamines can offer you temporary freedom, these medications usually come with certain side effects, including dry mouth and drowsiness. Additionally, these medications focus on reducing the symptoms rather than treating the root cause of the problem. That is why many people are shifting to holistic treatment options like acupuncture to prevent or reduce allergies.
Acupuncture therapy is a natural, drug-free treatment alternative that relies on your body’s healing mechanism to regulate your immune system and alleviate inflammation and allergic symptoms. Unlike conventional treatment options, acupuncture focuses on the root cause of your allergic reactions, giving you long-term relief from bothersome allergic symptoms.
Based on your symptoms, your acupuncturist could use the following points to treat or reduce the symptoms associated with allergies:
- Bladder 2
If your body is prone to allergic reactions during a certain season, preparing your immune system ahead of time can help it better handle the irritants. Acupuncture therapy can help with various allergy-related symptoms, including itchy eyes, a running nose, coughing, skin reactions, eczema, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
When preventing allergies or reducing their symptoms, the acupuncturist will focus on various skin-related acupoints associated with the large intestine, spleen, stomach, and lungs. Your acupuncturist focuses on these points because ancient TCM practitioners believed these organs are involved in the production of mucus and your immune response. One of the acupoints the acupuncturist will focus on is Bladder 2.
Located close to the point where your eyebrows begin (toward the center of your face), this acupoint is one of the targets by acupuncturists if you have any of the following allergic symptoms:
- Pain in your eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye swelling or redness
Stimulating this point using acupuncture needles can help relieve disruptive symptoms caused by allergies.
- Yu Yao
Known only by its name, Yu Yao is an "additional" acupoint that is not located along any of the twelve (12) primary meridians. Meridians are energy pathways in your body where “Qi” flows through. According to ancient TCM practitioners, blockages in your meridians can make you feel unwell.
Yu Yao sits along your eyebrows (in the center), meaning if your acupuncturist stimulates and massages Bladder 2 outwards, he/she will stimulate this acupoint as well. Stimulating this acupoint is vital, especially if you have the following allergic symptoms:
- Pain above your eyes
- Pain, swelling, or redness in your eyes
These symptoms are common to people who experience allergic reactions after coming into contact with certain triggers. However, acupuncture can help prevent or reduce these symptoms, especially when you seek the treatment before the onset of the triggers.
- San Jiao 23
San Jiao 23 is situated on the outer part of your eyebrows and will be the final point that your acupuncturist will stimulate as he/she massages your Bladder 2 outwards.
San Jiao 23 is an essential acupuncture for alleviating allergy symptoms, particularly those related to headaches and eye discomfort. By targeting this point during acupuncture sessions, an acupuncturist can effectively reduce inflammation and promote overall eye health during an allergy season.
- Stomach 2
Another vital acupoint that your dentist will focus on if you have allergies triggered by various stimuli includes Stomach 2. Stomach 2 sits below your eye, directly below your pupil if you look straight ahead. Stomach 2 sits on your bone, just underneath the soft part of your lower eyelid. Stomach 2 is particularly effective for alleviating allergy-related symptoms, including swelling, itching, and pain, due to its strategic location beneath the eye, allowing for targeted relief of discomfort.
By stimulating this acupoint, acupuncturists can help reduce discomfort and promote overall eye health during allergy season.
- Large Intestine 20 (LI 20)
Also known as Welcome Fragrance, the LI 20 sits on either side of your nostrils and is the acupoint your acupuncturist will focus on if you have sinuses or clogged nasal passages. After stimulating this acupoint with acupuncture needles, you will likely begin breathing freely within minutes. Some of the symptoms that will make your acupuncturist select this point for allergy relief include the following:
- Swelling of your face
- Itching or rhinorrhea
- Nasal obstruction
The acupoints discussed above are ideal for acute allergy attacks. The number of acupuncture sessions you will need to schedule with your acupuncturist will depend on the severity of your allergy and your body’s response to the treatment. Other acupoints that could help relieve allergy symptoms include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Large Intestine (LI 4) — Also known as Hegu, this acupoint helps improve immunity, alleviate allergy symptoms (including nasal congestion and headache), and relieve inflammation. In the webbing between your index finger and thumb, at the highest point of your muscle, the acupuncturist will stimulate the areas using a thin needle
- ST 36 — Also known as Zusanli, this acupoint can help strengthen your immune system. ST 36 sits below your kneecap, roughly four fingers wide on the outer side of your leg. Ancient TCM practitioners say that stimulating this point using a needle helps your body maintain a balanced immune response, preventing worse allergic symptoms
- DU 20 — Also known as the upper star, DU 20 lies above your head, along the central line of your skull. Stimulating this point helps unblock your nasal passages, reduce sinus pressure, and boost airflow
According to a 2015 study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine involving 422 patients with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), those who received acupuncture reported greater improvement in their allergic symptoms than those who received other treatments. The acupuncture effects also lasted up to 12 weeks after treatment.
You could experience relief after a few acupuncture sessions. However, others will require ongoing treatment, especially during allergy season.
According to ancient TCM practitioners, allergies occur due to an imbalance of Wei Qi (your body’s defensive energy), which corresponds with your body’s immune system. If this crucial energy is imbalanced, most people's bodies will overreact to various allergens, including pollen, dust, and certain foods.
However, by stimulating the above-mentioned points with acupuncture needles, this treatment can help alleviate inflammation and restore the balance your immune system needs, promoting overall wellness. Various studies suggest that acupuncture therapy can:
- Decrease sneezing, histamine release, itching, and congestion
- Reduce inflammation and stress, which can sometimes trigger or increase allergic reactions
- Strengthen your immune system, helping your body prevent allergic reactions naturally
- Improve lymphatic drainage and circulation, lessening sinus congestion
- Strengthening your nasal barrier or lining, making it challenging for allergens to trigger symptoms
If you think you are an excellent candidate for acupuncture therapy to treat allergies, you should schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist and discuss your current medications, medical history, and your overall treatment goals. Your acupuncturist will likely recommend acupuncture treatment at least three months before the allergy season, with one session per week for 6 to 8 weeks.
What to Anticipate During Your Acupuncture Treatment Session
Before your acupuncture appointment, it is a brilliant idea to take a few steps to prepare your body. Before your initial appointment, you prepare yourself by eating a light snack at least one hour or two beforehand. Showing up at your acupuncturist's clinic without eating beforehand can make you feel light-headed during treatment. Similarly, you should not show up overly full.
To give your acupuncturist easy access to various parts of your body, including your legs and arms, you should wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. Since acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into your skin, you should thoroughly clean your body.
It is also advisable to avoid caffeine a few minutes before your acupuncture session, as it can make it harder for your body to stay calm and relaxed. Ensure you drink plenty of water before your acupuncture appointment. During your acupuncture treatment session for allergies, you should expect the following:
- Comprehensive Consultation
A reliable acupuncturist understands the importance of comprehensive consultation before beginning the treatment. Your acupuncturist will discuss your medical history and assess your triggers and overall health to understand the root cause of your problem and specific acupoints to target.
- Acupuncture Session
When your acupuncturist starts the treatment, he/she will gently insert a thin, sterile needle into the selected acupoints on your skin. Most people are surprised by how little they feel when needles penetrate their skin. Other people report feeling a slight sensation, like a tingling or a pinch, at the point where the needle penetrates your skin, but the feeling will fade shortly.
Once the acupuncture needles are in place, the acupuncturist will allow you to rest for the duration of your session. You can meditate, relax, or sleep during this time as your body responds to the treatment.
- Additional Treatment
If needed, your acupuncturist will offer you additional treatments, like acupressure or cupping, to help improve your condition. Cupping and acupressure are distinct techniques that can complement acupuncture in managing allergy symptoms.
Cupping is a method that uses cups to create suction on the skin, which can help to improve circulation and ease muscle tension. On the other hand, acupressure is a practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and balanced Qi.
Both methods can enhance the healing effects of acupuncture therapy by addressing different aspects of your body's response to allergens. Cupping may help alleviate respiratory issues by opening your chest and improving airflow. Conversely, acupressure targets specific acupoints related to allergy relief. Together, they provide a holistic approach to preventing and reducing allergy symptoms.
- Ongoing Treatment Plan
Several patients see improvements and reduced allergy symptoms after a few sessions. However, if you have long-term allergy issues, a series of acupuncture treatments could be necessary to achieve lasting relief.
Your acupuncturist will discuss with you the ongoing treatment plan and what to expect. Maintaining a balanced diet and getting enough sleep will help you reap the most out of each acupuncture session for allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Acupuncture for Allergies
Most people planning to incorporate acupuncture into their treatment plan to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms will often ask some questions before commencing the treatment. Here are common FAQs about acupuncture for allergies:
- How is Acupuncture Different From Acupressure?
Unlike acupuncture, which requires insertion of thin needles into your skin, acupressure targets the same acupoints, but needles are unnecessary. Acupressure uses the fingers to stimulate or apply pressure to your acupoints. It is a practice you can try at home to reduce allergy symptoms, especially nasal congestion.
- Will it be too Late to Begin Acupuncture Therapy Mid-Season?
No. However, the ideal time to begin acupuncture therapy is at least four to six weeks before your unique pollen season begins. Doing that is important because it allows the regulatory work to take effect before your immune system is fully activated. However, scheduling an appointment with your acupuncturist mid-season is still worthwhile. The rule of thumb is to start your treatment early for the best results.
- Can I Combine Acupuncture Therapy With Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are common medications for allergies, and there is no conflict between this treatment and acupuncture. However, as you schedule more acupuncture treatment sessions with your acupuncturist, your need to use antihistamines will reduce.
In other words, acupuncture is not a replacement for other conventional treatments, but the ultimate goal is to need fewer of these treatments over time.
Find a Los Angeles Acupuncturist Near Me
Seasonal allergies can be unbearable, and if you have tried conventional treatments with little or no improvement, you should consider holistic treatments like acupuncture. Acupuncture therapy can help reduce your allergy symptoms and boost your overall health. Ensure you consult a qualified, licensed acupuncturist for the best services.
If you would like to know more about acupuncture points for allergies, our acupuncturists at the Art of Chinese Healing are here to help. We invite you to call us at 310-405-1610 to schedule your initial consultation, wherever you are in Los Angeles.