Can Acupuncture Help Your Allergies?

March 21st, 2013

For people with seasonal allergic rhinitis (also known as “Hay fever”), the itchy eyes and runny noses are sometimes unbearable during the period between spring and fall.  Antihistamines are generally effective, though they are associated with sleepiness and dry mouth.

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine titled “Acupuncture in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis” showed promise in the ancient form of Chinese traditional medicine.  They found that people who underwent acupuncture had required less antihistamines and had fewer symptoms than the control group after 8 weeks.

I have always had a positive opinion of acupuncture.  Think of all the health fads in recent years that have come and gone.  Acupuncture has lasted over 5000 years and is practiced by over a quarter of the world’s population.  If it wasn’t effective, wouldn’t people have stopped believing in it?  If you are afraid of needles, you should know that the average acupuncture needle is many times smaller than those used for drawing blood or giving injections (which can sometimes hurt), and is about the thickness of a human hair.  Most people who have had the therapy will tell you they don’t feel pain, just a slight pressure with acupuncture needles.  In addition, there are forms of acupuncture which use small beads applied to the surface of the skin.

I do have some warnings about acupuncture.  Make sure you are going to a reputable, licensed practitioner.  Be sure that all needles used have been sterilized.  You should not be afraid to ask about sterilization practices, and your practitioner should not be offended by the question.  Many offices use only disposible needles.  Finally, if you are on a blood thinner such as coumadin, you may want to alert your practitioner and perhaps opt for acupressure.