Spring is pushing up and bursting out all around us. For everyone, Spring brings relief from the Winter doldrums. But, for some, that relief comes with the new burden of seasonal “ahh... ha... ahh... CHOO!”  ...allergies.
Here are some reflections and observations from my TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acupuncture practice concerning this, the perennial challenge of Spring. First, I have seen that patients who come in regularly for acupuncture treatments consistently comment that they are not having their usual hay fever attacks, or they are not nearly as severe. I hear this from patients who come in for any reason – not just to treat their allergies. In fact it always comes as a surprise to these patients that treatment for their sore back, migraine, or menstrual issues is protecting them from severe allergy symptoms. I have heard this so often that I now recommend regular treatments this time of year for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies.
But, why does regular treatment for any problem protect against allergies? First, allergies result from your body being unable to digest pollens and other Spring allergens. Digest? Yes, I mean, literally, digest. When your digestive health is sound, you are better able to process all manner of things – not just what you eat.
Among the many things acupuncture treats some way or another acupuncture is almost always working to support your digestion. In TCM terms this means supporting the stomach and spleen. It also turns out, not surprisingly, that the herbal formulas that work best for allergies are generally formulas that support the digestive systems, especially the spleen and stomach.
Second, when you are stronger, you are less affected by allergens. When you are under stress, you are more affected. Everyone knows this from their own personal experience. Another “secondary” benefit of acupuncture treatment for almost any condition is reducing “stress,” and thereby increasing “resistance” to allergens. When you are treated in the clinic for any issue, acupuncture is promoting overall system integrity, making you stronger and better able to cope with environmental challenges.
Third, acupuncture has the effect of increasing energetic coherence. It is like tuning a radio to a station. The “static” between tuned settings is incoherent energy. The energy “tuned in” is coherent energy.  Coherent energy is available to do work; make music or heal tissues. Incoherent energy is energy working against itself. Acupuncture reduces “static” energy and promotes coherent energy. That means, that no matter what issue we are treating you for, your treatment is making all of your systems work better, not just those that pertain specifically to your “problem.”
So it turns out there are several reasons why regular acupuncture brings benefits for those suffering from seasonal allergies.  If you want to know more, schedule an appointment with an acupuncture practice.