Does Acupuncture For Allergic Rhinitis Work?

acupuncture-for-allergic-rhinitis

Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an overreaction of the immune system in response to certain allergens. Whether it’s pollen, dust, or pet dander when people with allergic rhinitis encounter spores their body doesn’t like, it can lead to a host of annoying symptoms. Sneezing, itchy ears, watery eyes, a stuffy, running nose, and constant fatigue are just a few things allergic rhinitis sufferers deal with. If you’re turning to alternative medicine to find relief from your symptoms, you may be wondering if acupuncture for allergic rhinitis really works. 

Acupuncture has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it an excellent holistic therapy for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Regular acupuncture sessions support healthy immune system function, reducing allergy symptoms over time. 

How does acupuncture help allergic rhinitis patients find relief?

Most of us think of acupuncture as a holistic treatment for musculoskeletal issues, like muscle knots and sprains. But acupuncture can be used to treat a wide array of health conditions, including allergic rhinitis. 

The main reason why acupuncture is so effective at treating allergic rhinitis is because it modulates the immune system. It’s believed that people with allergic rhinitis have overactive immune systems. Although acupuncture stimulates the immune system, it has a regulatory effect on it, quickly calming an overactive immune response. 

At the same time, acupuncture promotes good circulation, allowing the body to clear out pro-inflammatory substances, like histamine and cytokines. By reducing inflammatory byproducts and encouraging a moderate immune response, acupuncture can provide you with relief from your allergic rhinitis symptoms without having to rely on antihistamines. 

Acupuncture also has potent anti-inflammatory effects. It does this by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory white blood cells and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory white blood cells. If you take pain pills to cope with your allergy symptoms, acupuncture can provide natural relief and reduce your reliance on these damaging medications. 

How often will you need acupuncture to treat your symptoms?

How often you’ll need to get acupuncture for allergic rhinitis generally depends on the severity of your symptoms. 

If you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis during different times of the year, acupuncture sessions during those periods can help you manage your flare-ups. Starting your acupuncture sessions before your seasonal allergies arrive can prevent your symptoms from getting out of hand. 

But if you’re struggling with allergic rhinitis symptoms on a regular basis, to the point that your job performance and home life have been suffering, then you’re probably going to need more intense appointments more often. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis benefit from ongoing sessions.

It’s worth noting that acupuncture supports the body’s ability to heal itself, which means its benefits are widespread. Even if you’ve received acupuncture for something completely unrelated, like trigger finger or frozen shoulder, you may have noticed an improvement in your allergies around the same time. That’s the power of acupuncture for you!

What to expect during your acupuncture session

At the start of your first acupuncture appointment, your acupuncturist will ask about your medical history. Understanding when your allergy symptoms began and how severe they are will help them create the best treatment strategy for you. 

At this point, your acupuncturist will begin placing needles in specific points across your body. Depending on any underlying imbalances your acupuncturist finds, needles could be placed anywhere from your neck and face to your hands, legs, and feet. 

Once the needles have been placed, they will be kept in for a while to maximize their effects. Acupuncture can be quite relaxing, so just sit back and enjoy the rest while the needles do their job. After 10 to 45 minutes or so, the needles will be removed, and you can continue with your day.

How fast can you expect to find relief from your allergic rhinitis symptoms?

Because every patient is unique, it’s hard to say how long it will take before you experience relief from your symptoms. But results are typically pretty quick.

Now, patients suffering from severe symptoms, and/or patients who have had allergic rhinitis for a long time, may require more rigorous acupuncture sessions before seeing a decrease in symptom severity. 

But many allergic rhinitis patients notice an improvement in their symptoms following their very first session. Although the effects of a single acupuncture session won’t be particularly long-lasting, and certainly won’t cure you of your allergies, you’ll likely see a significant decrease in your symptoms shortly after the needles are removed. 

Ongoing acupuncture treatments are needed to restore healthy immune system function. Over time, the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture can reduce your histamine response naturally so you don’t have to rely on those allergy medications that make you feel so sleepy. 

Is acupuncture alone enough to treat allergic rhinitis?

Mild cases of allergic rhinitis can sometimes be treated successfully with acupuncture alone. Moderate to severe cases may require additional therapies, especially if your acupuncturist discovers your allergies are actually tied to an underlying condition. 

Interestingly, seasonal allergies are associated both with nutritional deficiencies and food intolerances. After discussing your symptoms with your acupuncturist, they may advise you to consider vitamin injections and nutrition therapy, too, to help you overcome your chronic allergy symptoms. 

Additionally, your acupuncturist may recommend traditional Chinese herbal medicine to help you overcome your symptoms. Cupping can also be effective, especially if you struggle with swelling associated with allergic rhinitis. 

Utilizing multiple alternative treatments compounds each of their effects. Used correctly and over time, these therapies can significantly improve your quality of life, so you can get back to doing all of the things you love — like breathing through your nose and not feeling like you haven’t slept in ten years. 

Can herbal medicine improve your allergic rhinitis symptoms?

Herbal medicine can be an invaluable tool when it comes to treating allergic rhinitis. And our process for choosing the right protocol for your symptoms couldn’t be easier. 

After evaluating your condition to get a better understanding of your health history, we’ll conduct a tongue diagnosis to identify underlying imbalances and pinpoint the factors contributing to your allergic rhinitis  — whether it’s stress, a poor diet, a lack of sleep, a combination of these things, or something else entirely.

Once we’ve made our diagnosis, we’ll choose the right herbal blends for your symptoms, and you can start reaping the benefits of your tailor-made protocol immediately. Most patients experience an improvement in their symptoms in just a few days! 

Our clinic offers monthly plans for traditional Chinese herbal medicine, complete with weekly check-ins to make sure you stay on track and get the results you’re looking for. 

Scheduling your first acupuncture appointment

Tired of dealing with your allergic rhinitis symptoms? We can’t blame you. You deserve better, and at Orlando Alternative Health, we’re committed to helping you get real results. 

Contact our office today to learn more about our holistic treatment methods. Our friendly staff will help you book an appointment so you can get started. 

We realize that every patient is unique. So from your first session, we will work with you to construct a wellness plan that is tailored to your needs. We’ll be there with you to celebrate each of your successes as you make your way through your wellness journey.

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