Seasonal allergies are the bane of springtime for many people. As the rest of us feel light as clouds, floating on the euphoria of longer days and warmth as winter wanes, the allergic among us are locked inside, fearful of the clouds of pollen waiting to attack them. They sneeze and sniff their way through the beauty of spring, peering about through watering eyes, waiting for it all to go away.
Despite the miraculous transformations that the actors in the commercials go through, over the counter treatments for allergies are often as bad as the disease, leaving you with a dry nose, but either comatose from antihistamines, or with a pounding heart and shaking hands from 'non-drowsy' formulations.
So, what can Chinese medicine do for you, poor woeful allergy sufferer?
Lots, according to studies. A controlled 2004 study using acupuncture and herbs, concluded:
"We could show that this treatment was efficacious in improving global severity rating and in affecting disease-related quality of life parameters after 6 weeks of treatment when compared with sham needling plus a non-specific herbal formulation" (Source)
What exactly does that mean? It means after 6 weeks, people getting real acupuncture and herbs felt better than those getting the placebo versions. There are dozens of other studies showing the same things. Other findings involve testing the nasal secretions of allergy sufferers (great job!) . That study revealed that the secretions of patients after receiving acupuncture treatment had no or lower quantities of eosinophils, a blood cell related to allergic response that is high in those suffering from allergies. (Source)
So come in for acupuncture treatment and herbs! The best results occur if you come in BEFORE allergy season, preferably at least 6 weeks. But of course, symptom relief can still be had if you missed the window. Once your symptoms abate, your practitioner will use acupuncture and herbs (and diet and lifestyle changes) to build up your system so that next season you'll feel great, pollen or no pollen.
There are some things you can do at home to reduce your allergy woes. Remember where I mentioned 'diet and lifestyle' up above? Like other holistic modalities, Chinese medicine feels great and works because you, the patient,are a participant in your own treatment and healing. Of course, to be a participant, you have to participate!
1. Diet
Common stimulants of allergic symptoms include dairy, sugar and wheat, especially white flour products like pastries, bread and pasta. Cutting down or eliminating these items will usually make you feel better right away. I tell patients to just try a week without one of them. If you notice a difference, then you know what you have to do!
2. Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? Most people don't. Cutting corners on sleep sends your system into emergency mode, and that stimulates your already hyperactive immune system. Our society trains us to think of sleep as a waste of time, but we literally can't live without it. If you are getting less than 6 hours a night, something has to give.
3. Air quality
Definitely be active in your community to advocate for clean air laws, greater public transportation options and slashing industrial emissions. All these things contribute greatly to rates of respiratory disease of all kinds, including allergies. On the home front, trade in your chemical cleaners, detergents and sprays for nontoxic, fragrance free versions. Or make your own! Nothing cleans as well and safely as baking soda and vinegar (and elbow grease, but then you'll get some exercise too!)
Breathe easy with Chinese medicine and you'll be able to enjoy those spring flowers!
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