Acupuncture for Allergies

Allergies are specific immunological reactions to substances such as pollens, dust, mold, foods, medicines, and other things. Experts estimate at more than 35 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies, and pollen allergies are one of the most chronic diseases in America. The respiratory symptoms of asthma are often provoked by airborne allergens, or the substances that cause allergic reactions in some people.

How Allergies Affect Your Life

The signs of an allergic reaction are familiar to many people and may include some or all of the following:

  • Sneezing and/or a runny or stuffy nose

  • Coughing and/or postnasal drip

  • Itchy watery eyes, nose, and throat

  • Watery and/or swollen eyes

Allergy sufferers can feel very uncomfortable, have difficulty sleeping and exercising, and even experienced decreased libido. Allergies are rarely life-threatening, but they do cause lost work days, decreased efficiency, difficulty concentrating, and generally have a negative effect on a patient's quality of life.

How Acupuncture treats Allergies

Rather than ingesting medications, using steroidal or saline sprays, or suffering through allergy shots, acupuncture is a safer, effective treatment for seasonal allergies and delivers real relief for patients. Acupuncture can be particularly useful if you are suffering from multiple allergic reactions since it works to quiet an overstimulated immune system and soothe irritating symptoms.

While treatment for allergies may begin when the patient experiences seasonal allergic reactions, most patients find the treatment experience helps not only with the discomfort of allergies but also with their ability to relax, clearing digestive issues, and creating better sleep that they keep coming back even when their allergies are cleared.

You can even treat seasonal allergies before they happen. Acupuncture can be applied in a seasonal fashion so that treatments in the fall can improve your seasonal allergies in the spring. So get treated early and have a spring full of life enjoying the great Santa Barbara outdoors!