Allergy Season In 2020
Just When You Think Cold And Flu Season Will Die Down…It’s Allergy Season!
Cold and flu season was brutal this year -I’m not even sure it’s over yet! The weather has been erratic and I saw many patients struggle with on and off respiratory illness. Frequent colds, flus passed around the family, chronic coughs and bronchitis that sticks around for months. Well, Spring is already here and it is only March 1. I’m not saying it isn’t going to snow again before the end of April -that is still possible! But I know many people have already started their seasonal allergies
Chinese Medicine is prevention focused so that means if you' haven’t had any symptoms yet but know you struggle during the Spring, now is the time to come in. Coming in before your symptoms start gives you a better chance to either prevent having any symptoms all together or lessen them. This will vary from person to person because our sensitivities, immunity and severity of allergic reactions will vary. Allergies occur when your immune system “overreacts” to a substance (an allergen) that should be harmless. Those who are sensitive to certain weeds, pollen and other trees or plants might notice they have symptoms during Spring transition.
Common allergy symptoms are itchy skin, eyes and nose, runny nose, sneezing and sometimes watery, red eyes. Not only can season allergy symptoms be disruptive to your life, it also shows you’re in a lowered immune state which leaves you more susceptible to catching cold, flu or another virus or infection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) acupuncture is recommended in treating seasonal allergies. Though acupuncture does not tend to lend itself to being studied the way Western Medical interventions, there are studies that show it is effective in treating allergies. Because acupuncture has the ability to regulate your immune function it can certainly help you transition through allergy season with less medications, less symptoms and with a bit of ease.
Long term use of antihistamines can cause dryness, blurry vision, difficulty emptying your bladder. Of course if you’re a severe allergy sufferer, the benefits of these medications will outweigh the risks. Acupuncture can be done in replacement of your regular allergy meds or because it is completely natural, can be done along side your regular treatment.
I encourage all my patients to come in during the times when seasons transition or during extreme weather changes occur because this is when your immunity or your ability to adjust to environmental changes is being tested. This is when you want to focus on resting, eating healthfully and getting acupuncture. Many of my patients will do a series of 5-10 weekly visits for allergies. Those who are able to come in before symptoms occur find they struggle less. Some severe allergy sufferers come in regularly through the whole season and that is ok too. Additionally because acupuncture does not add anything into your system and is safe during pregnancy.
Make an appointment to handle your allergies!
If you’re someone who struggled with immunity this Winter and generally with allergies please consider coming in for a series of immunity boosting herbal treatments this Summer when I offer San Fu Moxa. San Fu Moxa is an herbal paste treatment to keep your body strong through the winter months. Many of my patients who received this treatment last summer had a much easier time during the winter. Stay tuned for more information on this in the next few months! TBA
By Emily Grace Siy, L.Ac.
Photo By Greg Rowe