Acupuncture and Allergies
Whether you are allergic to shellfish, ragweed or dog dander doesn't matter. The acupuncturist takes a holistic approach and treats the individual rather than the symptoms. Your allergy symptoms, your itchy, watery eyes, your stuffiness are a way of expressing a deeper down imbalance in your system. These are imbalances in the meridian and organ systems of the body. Meridians in Chinese medicine are energy pathways in the body, through which the qi or “life force” travels, and any blockage along the way may result in physical symptoms. Underlying balances stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.
Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the organ systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced "way chee"). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, in order to sustain a healthy body, it is important to have the correct quality of and quantity of Wei Qi circulating throughout the body.
What is Wei Qi?
The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign invaders, that if not caught, can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as, dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen.
More and more people are switching to acupuncture for allergies for the following reasons: the drugs aren't working, undesirable side effects or they react badly with other medications. Some would prefer to use medication as a last resort. The way acupuncture works to control allergies isn't exactly known. However, instead of introducing chemicals such as an antihistamine to control an allergic reaction, acupuncture works with the person's “internal pharmacy”. From a scientific point, data suggests that acupuncture alters the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and regulates blood flow, both centrally and peripherally.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies can be reduced or eliminated.
What will an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a treatment plan that will address your specific imbalances and concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi. Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage, or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the Wei Qi of the body. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a drug-free, safe, natural, and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies, or the common cold.