Acupuncture for seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, happen when the immune system treats something harmless as if it were a threat. The body makes antibodies against that substance, called an allergen, even though it may not be harmful at all.

The most common symptoms are itchy eyes, sneezing and sinus congestion.

How acupuncture can help

Over-the-counter allergy remedies mainly relieve symptoms. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also help relieve common allergy symptoms. Beyond that, they aim to calm an overactive immune and inflammatory response.

Robert has helped many patients reduce their seasonal allergy symptoms. Along with pain patterns and injury rehabilitation, treating allergies has become one of the main focuses of his practice.

He practices Toyohari, a Japanese style of acupuncture that uses careful pulse reading, very fine needles and gentle contact. He may also suggest a Chinese herbal formula.

Allergies and sinus trouble often go together. If congestion keeps turning into sinus infections, see sinus infections.

What the research says

In 2013, CNN reported on a study of acupuncture for allergies. Acupuncture already helps relieve pain for some patients, and the article said the study hinted that it might relieve sneezing and itchy eyes as well.