Once those trees start blooming in Manhattan this spring, especially here on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, New York, where many of our clients live, is when your immune system may be triggered. But for many it isn’t just spring, there are allergies that can affect us all through the year.
Asthma and allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergy, and eczema, are common issues for all age groups in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year (2011). Surprisingly, it is among the country’s most common, but overlooked, diseases. Luckily, research has indicated acupuncture for allergies as an effective relief.
An allergy attack occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen, which could be something you eat, inhale into your lungs, or touch. An immune response is when your immune system, thinking the allergen is a foreign invader, overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The next time a person is exposed to that allergen, these IgE-primed mast cells release powerful chemicals, which in turn cause the allergic reaction, commonly seen as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
Allergies can be treated effectively through lifestyle and alternative medicine. Prevention is also key. Acupuncture is incredibly effective at helping mediate the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. In fact, in 2015 The American Academy of Otolaryngology Clinical Practice Guideline recommended acupuncture for Allergy Relief, specifically patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) who were interested in non pharmacological solutions (Seidman et al., 2015). Acupuncture is recognized as an effective alternative to medical therapies, and is associated with a reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life like for patients who are suffering from allergies. For patients wanting a nonpharmacologic therapy acupuncture for allergies is a great alternative.
If you find that you or those you care for are struggling with allergy symptoms and you are in New York City consider acupuncture for allergy relief at Naturna Institute. We are located on the Upper East Side, New York.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 2, 2011. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/ToolsTemplates/EntertainmentEd/Tips/Allergies.html
Seidman, M. D., Gurgel, R. K., Lin, S. Y., Schwartz, S. R., Baroody, F. M., Bonner, J. R., … Nnacheta, L. C. (2015). Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis Executive Summary. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 152(2), 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599814562166
