Acupuncture Treats Allergies!

Acupuncture for Allergies

Allergies are a common problem. They can range from mildly irritating to potentially fatal in severe cases. 

Even though they’re so prevalent, allergies remain challenging to treat. Medications such as antihistamines can help to manage the symptoms, but do nothing to address the root cause of the condition. This unfortunately means people need to continually stay on medications that can cause complications and side effects in other areas of the body over time, which an increasing number of patients prefer to avoid. 

For this reason, more people are turning to natural therapies like acupuncture, an element of Chinese Medicine, for allergies. But does it really help? Here’s what you need to know. 

Allergies: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

From a western medical point of view, allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. Under normal circumstances, the immune system protects us from infectious agents like viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes it can react to harmless seasonal substances like pollen, dander from

beloved pets, or a particular food. 

These substances are known as allergens and when they enter the body, and they trigger an inflammatory response. It is this inflammation that causes allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, red eyes, congestion, or a runny nose. 

However, Chinese Medicine views the body in a very different way. It doesn’t categorize the immune system in the same manner as western medicine.

Instead, Chinese medicine sees the body as being protected by a kind of energetic forcefield known as Wei Qi (translating to ‘defensive Qi’) that emanates from the core of a person.

Defensive Qi circulates just above the skin on the outside of the body. It’s design prevents pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from entering the vital organs and causing serious harm. In Chinese medicine, the type of pathogens that cause seasonal allergies are often referred to as ‘wind.’ 

The idea is that wind can penetrate the body’s defenses, bringing illnesses and symptoms along for the ride. In a healthy person, Defensive Qi should be strong enough to stop wind in its tracks, almost like a shield of energy. 

But this is not just a process that happens on the energetic level. In Chinese Medicine, immune function is controlled and managed by specific organs, particularly the Lungs (in charge of respiration) and the Spleen (in charge of digestion). Therefore, a person with healthy respiratory and digestive function should have robust Defensive Qi and be able to fight off infections with ease. 

However, if a person’s Lungs or Spleen becomes weakened for any reason, they might become prone to coughs, colds, or allergies.

So, in the Chinese Medicine view, allergies are a kind of wind condition that occurs when the Lungs and Spleen are not functioning at peak performance. Therefore, the main strategies of treatment are to expel the wind pathogen, strengthen the Lungs, and support digestion. 

Acupuncture for Allergies: How Does It work? 

The most effective way to relieve allergies is by improving Lung function to boost the Defensive Qi. In the 5 Element model of Chinese Medicine, both the Defensive Qi and the Lungs are represented by the “Metal Element.” The Defensive Qi functions like an energy shield similarly to how Metal can function as physical shield. The “Metal” meridians (energetic pathways that circulate around the body) start on the chest, travel down the arms to the thumb and index finger, and then run right back up the arm into the sinuses on the face, so acupuncture points in this area can be very useful for treating allergies. 

At the same time, it is necessary to expel the invading wind pathogen to quickly reduce symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. This usually likewise involves points on the Metal channels, and also on the upper back, neck, and head. Acupuncture may be used alone or in combination with herbal medicine and other therapies. 

Acupuncture for allergies also has several benefits from the viewpoint of western medicine. These include the following: 

• Modulating the immune system

• Reducing inflammation

• Improving local circulation to reduce swelling

Acupuncture may also help with other allergy-related symptoms, such as headaches, nasal congestion, and sleep problems. 

Research on Acupuncture for Allergies

Most of the research on acupuncture for allergies has focused on allergic rhinitis, one of the most common types of allergy. Some people suffer from allergic rhinitis on a seasonal basis (hay fever) while others may have it year-round. 

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis yielded positive results. It looked at 13 clinical trials, including 2365 allergic rhinitis patients. Overall, those who received acupuncture had significantly reduced symptom and medication scores, and improved quality of life. 

The authors of the review conclude that acupuncture can offer a “safe and valid treatment option for allergic rhinitis patients.”

Acupressure for Allergies

It appears that even the “evidence-based” community regards acupuncture for allergies as safe and effective, at least for common problems like allergic rhinitis.

There is also multiple centuries (if not multiple millennia) of historical evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture, considering it was the only medicine available for all of China and kept enormous populations healthy since at least the Han Dynasty around 220 BC.  

Another option is acupressure, a safe and non-invasive alternative to acupuncture that patients can use to manage their symptoms at home. 

Some of the best acupressure points for allergies include: 

Lung 7 

This point is located on the side of the wrist. You can find it by tracing a line from the tip of the thumb down the side of the hand, stopping just after the bony bump right below where the hand meets the forearm.

Massage the point in small, circular movements for 1–2 minutes at a time. This is a classic point for relieving wind conditions. It can help with symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, headache, and congestion.

Large Intestine 4 

This point is easy to find as it is one of the most popular acupressure points. This point is right at the junction between the index finger and the thumb, on the backside of the hand.

Press gently but firmly on the point, aiming to feel a sensation in the hand under your fingers. You can use one finger to press the point, or pinch from both the back of the hand and the palm. Hold for 1–2 minutes while taking some deep breaths in through the nose. This is one of the best points for any problems in the face and sinuses, including nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, and itchy or runny eyes or nose.

Governing Vessel 23

This point is on the midline of the head, around an inch behind the natural hairline.

Hold or massage the point for 1–2 minutes each time. 

This is another classic point for wind conditions and allergies. It may help to relieve symptoms such as rhinitis, headaches, eye problems, and facial swelling. 

These points are a great option if your allergy symptoms flare up between your acupuncture treatments. Why not give them a try next time you need some relief?