Acupuncture and Allergies

Does this time of year make you not want to go outside due to the following symptoms...

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Sinus pressure and facial pain
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Decreased sense of smell or taste
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Clogged ears/ear pain
• Post nasal drip

If you are allergic to pollen you are not alone, 15% of the population suffer from outdoor allergies. Grass and tree pollen is the cause of many of the symptoms allergy suffers experience. Pollen counts tend to be highest on warm, dry and breezy days, after a recent rain or humid weather. The pollen count is usually at its high this time of year.

What else can you do besides stay indoors through the high pollen count days? This month's newsletter will give you information on an alternative to your nasal spray, medications or allergy shots this season. Read on and see how acupuncture can help you survive the height of the pollen season this June. Why wait until your allergies get worse? Try acupuncture today and start feeling better now!

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, pollutants and environmental toxins...such as pollen.

Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced "Way Chee").

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy and allergy- symptom free.

What is Wei Qi?

The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught, can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, the body remains healthy. If the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and your body become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses, tree and grass pollen.

Acupuncture supports the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. Regular acupuncture treatments can strengthen the body's supply of Wei Qi, as well as help it flow smoothly through the body. Healthy and abundant Wei Qi will greatly reduce or eliminate the symptoms and signs related to allergies.

What Can Lighthouse Wellness Center Do?

During your visit to Lighthouse Wellness Center we will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. We will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate the symptoms of your your allergies, while addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.