Allergies
Acupuncture has been proven to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies when they are active and more importantly, can help to correct the immune system imbalance that causes the allergic re-sponse in the first place.
Acupuncture treatment affects allergies in 4 main ways:
-Stabilize the immune system to moderate its response to invading allergens.
-Decrease swelling and inflammation of local tissues to stop itching.
-Decrease secretions of mucus membranes to reduce nasal discharge and watery eyes.
-Strengthen your natural resistance to antigens.
Acupuncture points are selected based on your individual constellation of signs and symptoms. The focus of each treatment will be on relieving the troubling symptoms while simultaneously helping your body stop the allergic cascade. It is also very important to use acupuncture preventatively, when you are not having allergy problems. Certain acupuncture points have been shown to en-hance the immune system’s performance. In addition, it is important to address any other lifestyle habits that may be detrimental to the immune system such as diet, lack of exercise and poor sleep. The frequency and severity of your allergic symptoms can be drastically reduced if the immune system is allowed to fully repair in the off-season.
Cold & Flu
Prevention
It is possible to use Chinese medicine to prevent the infections of colds and flu altogether or when caught early, to prevent them from turning into full-blown infections. Studies have shown that cer-tain acupuncture points are effective in boosting the immune system. When people around you are getting sick, receiving acupuncture treatments will increase your ability to fight off illness and re-main healthy.
Treatment
If you do happen to catch a cold or the flu, acupuncture can help lessen the severity and speed the recovery time of illness. If you visit your acupuncturist at the first signs of a cold or flu, such as sore throat, earache, fatigue or body aches, you can receive treatment that will help to relieve symptoms and repair your immunity so that your body can fight off the infection.
Asthma
Asthma is on the World Health Organization’s list of conditions “for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed.”
The WHO semi-endorsement is nice, and it helps in getting the biomedical community to pay atten-tion. But the truth is that acupuncture has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years to rectify the underlying imbalances that cause asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
Sinusitis
The use of acupuncture and dietary therapy can be very helpful to reduce or eliminate the signs and symptoms of allergic and irritant sinusitis, sinus headache, sinus pain, and sinus congestion. Patients report that they can use fewer medications and feel better.
Acupuncture therapy is very effective in relieving many complex physical disorders like sinusitis, sinus headache, sinus congestion, and sinus pain.