If this seasonal shift has your eyes watering, nose dripping, ears scratching or just generally makes you feel like you are fighting “something” off, I want you to know that an Acupuncturist treats that!  Here is how it works. An herbal protocol for seasonal allergies typically starts the season before the allergies begin. *

The idea is that your immune system needs a boost before the pathogenic exposure occurs.  Then, once exposure to irritating elements does occur, your body can be strong and balanced to maintain the exterior layer of protection of immunity, or what is in Chinese Medicine your Wei Qi.

If allergy symptoms appear with the influx of pollens, as grass seed begins to thrive across the valley, I switch patients to an acutely focused formula to combat their symptoms and continue to balance the body with the aim of an appropriate immune response, not an explosive one.  Acupuncture provides additional relief from itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and the general groggy feeling of being run-down by the constant inundation of allergens.  Additionally, the application of acupressure beads at acu- points on the ears and body that can be worn out of the office and then self-stimulated by the patient over the next days, to reinforce effects of the initial treatment.

Does this therapy work for everyone? No, a universally effective treatment is not yet around, short of living in a box.  It is pretty apparent after one course of treatment as to whether the patient is benefiting, or will see benefits in the long run.  But for many, most even,  it immediately or ultimately provides freedom from over the counter or prescription meds that can make them edgy, jittery or drowsy, and has the added bonus of helping to regulate and enhance the body’s overall function and state of wellness.

One of my favorite messages about Acupuncture is “try acupuncture first”. It is good advice for conditions like this because, if it works for you, it is much cheaper and better for your long term health than the alternatives.   And if it does not, well then you have at least tried and benefited from the number one side effect of Acupuncture: feeling better.

* “The sages of antiquity did not treat those who were already sick, but those who were not sick… When a disease has already broken out and is only then treated, would that not be just as late as to wait for thirst before digging a well, or to wait to go into battle before casting weapons?” (Nei Jing)

This excerpt illustrates the idea of preventative medicine.  In ancient China, if the King became ill, the King’s physician (naturally, an Acupuncturist) could be executed!