Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common condition wherein the body’s immune system overreacts to outdoor stimulants such as pollen and mold spores. According to  the Weather Network, 20- 30 % of Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating, but various approaches and treatments or techniques can help ease the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

The main symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing and (rarely) cough
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Ear congestion
• Postnasal drainage
• Itchy ears, sinuses, or throat
• Swollen skin under the eyes
• Fatigue

Symptoms of hay fever tend to start or worsen at a specific time of year. Common triggers that induce seasonal allergies include tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in spring and summer, ragweed pollen in fall, dust mites and pet dander all year round, and others.

How is seasonal allergy treated?

The best treatment approach is to limit exposure to triggers of the allergic response. For patients whose symptoms aren’t severe, over-the-counter medications could be helpful. These include antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, and decongestants. People with more serious symptoms need prescription medications.

A healthcare provider may prescribe nasal corticosteroids, prescription antihistamines, nasal ipratropium, and oral corticosteroids.

Other treatments for seasonal allergies include immunotherapy, i.e., allergy shots, sublingual allergy tablets, and rinsing your sinuses.

Acupuncture for seasonal allergies

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body. As one of the most significant components of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is known for its many benefits, including pain relief and relaxation.

How does acupuncture work?

The power of acupuncture is that it balances the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi. This flow of energy passes through meridians or pathways in the body. Acupuncture specialists insert needles at points along these meridians to improve or restore the balance. It is believed that impaired chi contributes to health struggles.

Western medicine doesn’t look at acupuncture the same way. Instead, the practitioners consider acupuncture points as places to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissue. Stimulation of these points could increase the expression of pain-relieving compounds.

Basically, acupuncture exhibits its effects in a natural manner.

Can acupuncture help with seasonal allergies?

Acupuncture shows great potential in the treatment of seasonal allergies. Even though a lot more research on this subject is necessary, current evidence shows this ancient practice could be beneficial.

For example, the October 2020 issue of the Chinese Medicine journal published a meta-analysis that compared the effectiveness of different types of acupuncture on seasonal allergies. Results showed that all types of acupuncture showed positive effects compared to sham acupuncture. They were particularly beneficial for nasal symptoms and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life. The same analysis confirmed that acupuncture isn’t inferior to pharmacologic therapy. Scientists explain that patients who experience no improvements with conventional medicine or those who are intolerant to side effects could benefit from acupuncture the most.

That’s not the only study that confirmed the positive effects of acupuncture on the management of seasonal allergies. A randomized controlled trial from the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that acupuncture was strongly associated with improvement in rhinitis quality of life after eight weeks of treatment.

Additionally, the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology published a study that confirmed four weeks of acupuncture treatment decreased symptoms of seasonal allergies. For example, acupuncture reduced sneezing and itchiness of the ears and palate. Not only was it effective, but acupuncture was also safe and well-tolerated.

In March 2022, the European Journal of Medical Research published a study that evaluated the effectiveness of real acupuncture on allergy symptoms compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment. Findings revealed acupuncture improved nasal symptoms and quality of life. It was more effective than sham acupuncture and no treatment for seasonal allergies. The effects of acupuncture could be similar to those of cetirizine or loratadine, hay fever medications.

Where are the acupuncture points for allergies?

For the treatment of allergies, acupuncture practitioners may target several meridians on the front of the body. These meridians include the lungs, stomach, colon, and spleen. Why? All meridians have their functions, and these particular points circulate defensive qi, which is involved in the immune response. Deficiency in defensive qi can induce typical allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, swelling, conjunctivitis, and allergic eczema. Stimulating these points could, thereby, alleviate symptoms of allergies.

How often to get acupuncture for seasonal allergies?

The exact number of acupuncture sessions varies from one person to another. Factors that determine the number of appointments include the severity of symptoms, overall health, and whether a patient is receiving other forms of treatment. Patients don’t need acupuncture every day, but they could benefit from two appointments a week for four to six weeks.

Also, if your allergies appear at a specific time, you may want to be proactive and schedule your acupuncture sessions before they start. As few as six treatments could help the body handle allergens such as pollen more effectively.

How long does it take acupuncture to work for seasonal allergies?

While some patients may experience some improvements after one session, most people need multiple appointments. Remember, allergies have a lot to do with immune response. Improving the immune system’s strength is a process, which is why you may want to get multiple appointments. Your acupuncturist will recommend the most suitable number of sessions for the condition or symptoms you’re experiencing.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe and well-tolerated. Most people don’t experience side effects and other consequences, especially when their acupuncturist is certified and reliable. However, some people may experience minor bleeding, soreness, and bruising at the injection sites. Acupuncture isn’t for everyone. Persons who aren’t good candidates for acupuncture are people with a bleeding disorders.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture generally isn’t painful. You may experience slight discomfort or a tingling sensation but no pain.

Chinese medicine for seasonal allergies

The term Chinese medicine refers to traditional Chinese medicine, i.e., the ancient system of health and wellness. For thousands of years, people in China have relied on various practices, herbs, plants, and other natural approaches to prevent or manage and treat various health problems. Traditional Chinese medicine is a rich source of herbs with outstanding health potential. Leaves, roots, flowers, stems, and seeds are used for various purposes. Today, herbs also come in the form of supplements, powders, granules, liquid extracts, capsules, and traditional teas.

Can Chinese medicine help with seasonal allergies?

For centuries people in China adhered to various practices and herbs to improve their health and quality of life. Those practices exist today as well for a good reason – they are effective. In fact, Chinese medicine practices are present all around the world. Science still has a lot to do to catch up, but current studies show that Chinese medicine could help with seasonal allergies.

For instance, the Journal of International Medical Research published a review that looked into the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of seasonal allergies. Results showed that Chinese herbal medicine had advantages in terms of efficacy rate and decreasing runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and other symptoms except nasal itching.

Additionally, Chinese herbal medicine could reduce immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Immunoglobulin E is a type of antibody produced by the immune system. In people with hay fever, the immune system overreacts to allergens by producing IgE. The same review also showed that Chinese herbal medicine could reduce the recurrence of allergies.

Other studies have also confirmed that Chinese herbs can improve symptoms and quality of life among patients with seasonal allergies.

What Chinese herbs could help with seasonal allergies?

Traditional Chinese medicine relies on hundreds of herbs to address specific health problems. In one study, some herbs that could help with allergies include:

• Angelicae dahuricae (Dahurian angelica) – exhibits antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-asthmatic properties
• Flos magnoliae (dried magnolia flower buds) – constricts blood vessels of the nasal mucosa, promotes the absorption of mucosal secretions, and decreases nasal inflammation. It exhibits astringent, anti-allergic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Xanthii fructus – may inhibit the breeding of allergens
• Astragalus – inhibits inflammatory response in seasonal allergies by acting on the pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Atractylodes macrocephala – may enhance immune function and decrease nasal hypersensitivity
• Asarum (wild ginger) – warms the lung and promotes the opening of the orifices. It contains anti-allergic and antihistaminic properties

Sometimes these herbs are used on their own, but in many cases, a combination of different herbs yields the best results.

Is it possible to combine acupuncture and herbs for seasonal allergies?

It is. A combination of acupuncture and herbs could provide even better effects.

In our clinic we prescribe a complex formula that contain specific herbs that help patients improve their specific health problems more effectively

Seasonal allergy isn’t uncommon. Millions of people have it, but it doesn’t change the fact: symptoms of hay fever can affect their quality of life. While seasonal allergies can be frustrating, there’s a lot you can do to manage the severity of the symptoms. Besides doctor-recommended treatment, some natural approaches can be incredibly beneficial. Chinese medicine practices such as acupuncture and the use of herbs have been effective in the treatment of seasonal allergies and improving quality of life.

Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic in Westboro, Ottawa. We provide care for seasonal allergies. If you would like to receive more information about this treatment, you can call us at: 613-853-9099