Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine for Spring Allergies
Now that the blossoms of spring are blossoming most allergy sufferers head for an over-the-counter (OTC) quick remedy fix. The problem here is that even though an OTC may quickly quell a runny nose, itchy-watery eyes, or a scratchy cough, that is all they often do. There is no deeper approach that addresses the root cause which could keep your allergies from taking over your life.
In a variety of peer reviewed, medical studies, acupuncture has shown to be highly beneficial for allergy relief. Also, combining acupuncture with one or more naturopathic remedies may increase allergy relief exponentially. Naturopathic remedies can include something like an allergy daily supplement. This may consist of botanical and nutraceutical remedies such as a natural quercetin based anti-histamine or grapefruit seed extract nasal spray.
Please contact our Westchester acupuncture clinic for more info.
If you suffer with April, May and June symptoms try Integrative Med Solutions acupuncture and naturopathic medicine for spring allergies. It may just get your cylinders running so you don’t need constant band-aids to stop the warning signs.
Immune Boost
The first thing you want to do is boost your immune system. It is beneficial before allergy season or if you are suffering with acute symptoms. Either way your immune system is wholly compromised when your body is confronted with seasonal pollens, molds and grasses.
According to the Healthcare Medicine Institute,
“Researchers conclude that acupuncture benefits the immune system. In a controlled laboratory experiment, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine researchers discovered that electroacupuncture stimulation of acupuncture point ST36 [outside lower leg (shin) just below the knee] “enhanced the level of immune cytokines and splenic CD4+ T cells through TRPV channels.” In addition, the researchers document that electroacupuncture applied to ST36 enhances serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-17. Results were confirmed using immunohistochemical analysis.”
Naturopathic immune boosters come in all sorts of formulas that, when combined, can be highly beneficial as an immune boosting daily supplement package. Some notable compounds that work well together include vitamin C, probiotics, zinc, mushrooms, and vitamin D3. Additionally, black elderberry, echinacea, and olive leaf extract are powerful, herbal boosters as well.
Once you are on a good immune boosting program, you can simultaneously incorporate allergy deflecting actions.
Allergy Deflection
Acupuncture has been linked to encouraging the body to protect itself from outside seasonal allergens. By stimulating specific points (such as ST36 for the immune system), utilizing this ancient, painless, non-side effect modality could bring significant relief.
According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine titled ‘Acupuncture in Patients With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Trial’ researchers from a combination of institutions pooled their data.
Some notable participants in the study included: The University of Maryland School of Medicine; Technical University of Munich; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; and University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
CNN reported that, “…researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms such as a runny nose…The researchers then divided them into three groups; one received 12 acupuncture treatments and took antihistamines as needed, a second group received 12 fake acupuncture treatments (needles placed at random, non-meaningful points in the body) and took antihistamines as needed, while the final group only took antihistamines for symptoms…After two months, the researchers asked the patients about their symptoms and how much medication they used. The participants who received the real acupuncture treatments with their antihistamines showed a greater improvement in their allergy symptoms and less use of antihistamines compared to the other groups.”
The study results concluded that,
“Acupuncture led to statistically significant improvements in disease-specific quality of life and antihistamine use measures after 8 weeks of treatment compared with sham acupuncture and with RM [rescue medication] alone,”
Utilizing acupuncture before, during and even after allergy season could stoke your system into an allergy deflection mode that works at the root level. This means that symptoms could be considerably lessened or, in some cases, completely eliminated. For symptoms that do arise, using naturopathic medicine treatments works hand-in-hand with acupuncture.
Natural Allergy Remedies
In addition to immune boosting vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes and more, there are a variety of natural allergy remedies that can be applied. These botanical medicine remedies work to allow your body to embrace its own healing properties rather than shutting off its natural response to allergens.
US News reported on the ‘5 Best Herbs for Spring Allergy Relief’. Under the guidance of a naturopathic doctor, these and many other remedies could be the natural application you can benefit from.
Butterbur – One study in the British Medical Journal of 125 people with hay fever found that the butterbur worked just as well as cetirizine, which is marketed as Zytrec. The researchers also concluded that butterbur is a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their allergy symptoms while avoiding the sedative effects of antihistamines.
Garlic – Studies have shown that garlic doesn’t only improve immune function, but its quercetin also acts as a natural antihistamine.
Stinging Nettle Leaf – Regarding seasonal allergies, stinging nettle has been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory abilities; in fact, studies have shown that the bioactive components of stinging nettle can actually inhibit multiple inflammatory events. This is important because it is those inflammatory events that actually cause seasonal allergy symptoms.
Rosemary – According to a study published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine, this popular herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These are both essential for alleviating allergy symptoms.
Turmeric – Turmeric’s most powerful active compound is curcumin, which animal studies have shown can significantly reduce and inhibit allergic responses. Another study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of 214 people with allergic rhinitis found that those who took curcumin for two months alleviated their sneezing and congestion, and improved nasal airflow compared to those who took a placebo.
Naturopathic medicine for spring allergies doesn’t just include herbal remedies. Homeopathy and clinical nutrition are additional remedies that can be safely combined with acupuncture and botanical medicine. At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.
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Best in Health from Integrative Med Solutions!