Tennessee Allergies and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Late Summer and fall are upon us and one of the main complaints I see patients for are allergies from grass, trees, and ragweed. Tree pollen runs mostly in spring with the exception of Cedar trees that pollinate in the winter and peak in January. Ragweed starts in late August and extends into October.

Areas in Tennessee, like Nashville and parts of Brentwood are bowl like trapping pollens in and creating a micro-climate. This means higher allergen conflict for residents. Pollen can get trapped in the valleys especially on mild days of no wind. Pollen can mingle with the air pollution and create a more irritating mix of symptoms.

You may find you struggle with runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, headache, stuffy head, scratchy throat, mouth or nose, coughing and post nasal drip irritating the back of the throat. Many people experience fatigue. I, for one, only have fatigue as my symptom in spring. Allergies can mimic flu/virus symptoms. A virus or flu will sort itself out quicker than allergies.

Acupuncture has been shown to boost the immune system and decrease the histamine load and other inflammatory actions caused by the pollens.

Studies have shown that acupuncture reduces IgE and antibody that triggers allergic responses. The anti-inflammatory action reduces congestion, sneezing, and itchy/watery eyes and throat. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and promotes endorphins.

I needle points around the nose and sinus's and back of head to help clear congestion, reduce headaches, and other symptoms. Acupuncture is a great tool to add to your routine allergy protocol or if you are tying to stop taking over the counter medicine. Acupuncture helps with sleep. Most people with allergy problems have a hard time sleeping. I usually see people on a maintenance plan for allergies and will prescribe one or more herbals to help with symptoms.

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