Sniffling, sneezing, headaches, runny noses, itchy eyes oh my! These things are coming in to my office attached to people in one of the worst allergy seasons in years. If you have tried traditional ways of dealing with allergies and still do not get the relief you want or there are unwanted side effects of what you are using you can get relief, safely and naturally. Here are the top 5 ways you can use acupuncture to combat allergies.
1. Avoid Sugars & Alcohol: This includes refined carbohydrates and even dairy. These items can cause inflammation in the body and affect your immune system. All but the dairy also make your liver work overtime and as the main organ of detoxification, if it is overwhelmed, you are more likely to react to something that should not normally bother you.
2. Raw Honey: Locally sourced, raw honey, taken on a regular basis will expose your body to a little bit of the pollen that you are naturally exposed to making it less likely that your body will respond when assaulted with all the pollen floating around.
3. Probiotics: Probiotics are “good” bacteria and help your digestive system function and can also help your body’s immune system. Good probiotics are kept refrigerated and are a little expensive but you can get the same boost from several probiotic foods.
4. Nasal Rinse: At Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, we recommend a specific combination of Echinacea and goldenseal solution mixed with some water and sea salt. The physical action of rinsing the sinuses twice daily helps to clear out all the accumulated “gunk” you have been exposed to and the herbs help to regulate your immune system. The image below is the liquid herb that we recommend and we carry it in our clinic.
5. Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs: Of course, the best way to keep your allergies under control is with treatment. Acupuncture, often combined with Chinese Herbal medicine can work wonders for those who suffer. While this allergy season may be one of the worst, many of our patients remark that even though everyone they know is complaining, they can’t understand why everyone thinks it is such a bad allergy season…hmmm, I wonder why!
Many of these items are good for long term use and it is best to start an allergy regimen about a month before the season really sets in, but if you need some immediate relief, give us a call or book your appointment. See below.
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!