Book an appointment
Austin Acupuncture for Allergies & Cedar Fever
Time-Tested Healing Free From Side-Effects
Austin acupuncture & herbal medicine is highly effective for treating the year round Austin allergens naturally. Also known as allergic rhinitis, Hay fever is a common allergic condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
More than 100 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, including symptoms like relentless sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, and overall discomfort. Here in Central Texas, we get also get hit hard with local allergens year round, including mold, cedar, grasses and tree pollen.
As pollen counts soar, many are trapped in a never-ending cycle of misery, struggling to enjoy the season's beauty.
Amidst the endless search for relief, a centuries-old practice offers a glimmer of hope.
Understanding Allergies
Allergies primarily affect the respiratory system. They can also worsen and lead to coughing, asthma, wheezing, stress, lack of sleep, and fatigue. Hayfever is caused by overreacting the body's immune system to pollen or spores from grass, weeds, or trees. The pollen irritates the sensitive nasal linings, causing uncomfortable inflammatory reactions.
The immune system mistakes the inhaled pollen spores as viruses or bacteria, producing histamine-producing mast cells and other inflammatory chemicals to fight off the "invaders." Histamine responses can cause hay fever, allergies, and severe inflammation. However, food and pet hair allergies can trigger different histamine responses, leading to skin conditions such as eczema. Interestingly, histamine also works with our immune system to protect us against bacteria and parasites.
Here are the symptoms associated with hay fever:
- Blocked nose
- Loss of smell or taste
- Blocked sinuses (sinusitis)
- Runny nose
- Disturbed sleep
- Itchy ears
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Watering eyes
- Itchy, red eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture, an integral part of
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has gained recognition in the US for its potential to provide respite from hay fever symptoms. Acupuncture is an ancient
healing art that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. While it might sound unconventional, its effectiveness in treating hay fever lies in its ability to address the root causes of allergic reactions. Here are some of the ways that acupuncture can help:
Regulating the Immune System
One of the primary reasons acupuncture is so effective against hay fever is its impact on the immune system.
Allergies, including hay fever, result from the body's immune system overreacting to ordinarily harmless substances like pollen or pet dander. Acupuncture is believed to help regulate the immune response, preventing it from going into overdrive when confronted with allergens. This regulation helps reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, making them more manageable and less bothersome.
Balancing Energy Flow
Acupuncture operates on the concept of balancing the body's vital energy, known as "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). When Qi flows smoothly through the body's meridians (energy pathways), it promotes overall well-being and health. Allergies, including hay fever, are often viewed as disruptions in the
flow of Qi. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance by targeting specific points in the body, thereby addressing the underlying energy imbalances contributing to allergic reactions.
A Natural and Drug-Free Solution
Acupuncture offers relief from hay fever without relying on medication. This particularly appeals to individuals concerned about potential side effects or dependencies on allergy medications. Acupuncture is a natural, drug-free approach that aligns with the body's innate healing mechanisms. By choosing acupuncture as a hay fever treatment, you're opting for a gentle and non-invasive method that promotes overall wellness while specifically targeting allergy symptoms.
The Acupuncture Process
Embarking on your journey toward hay fever relief through acupuncture might raise questions and concerns. Here is what to expect during an acupuncture session.
Consultation and Assessment
Your acupuncture journey typically begins with a consultation. Our acupuncturist will ask about your medical history, hay fever symptoms, and other health concerns during this initial meeting. This helps them tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
Needle Insertion
The hallmark of acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body. You might wonder, "Is acupuncture painful?" Most people report minimal discomfort, if any, during needle insertion. The needles are so thin that they're often described as feeling like a slight pinch or a gentle tap. Any initial sensation quickly subsides.
Needle Placement
The needles are strategically placed on your body at specific acupuncture points along energy pathways or meridians. These points are selected based on your individual condition and treatment goals. The acupuncturist will carefully insert the needles and may gently manipulate them to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) in your body.
Relaxation
Once the needles are in place, you'll have some quiet time to relax. Many patients find this part of the session calming and even fall asleep. Acupuncture sessions typically last around 20 to 30 minutes.
Needle Removal
When the session is complete, the acupuncturist will gently remove the needles. You'll likely feel minimal to no discomfort during this process.
Why Choose Our Acupuncture Clinic
At Acupuncture Plus Clinic, we take pride in the expertise and qualifications of our acupuncture practitioners. We understand that entrusting your hay fever relief to a skilled professional is essential for a successful outcome. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest care and attention.
Austin Acupuncture Patients Who Have Experienced Allergy Relief
Dr. Luna Liu has been my acupuncturist since last year and has helped me resolve many issues. One issue is mold allergies that I have always suffered from year round. Now, I no longer take Zyrtec or Claritin, I simply take their Allergy Care herbs as needed. Dr. Liu is very compassionate and it feels great to have a practitioner who actually listens to you and helps you address all of your issues. She follows up with me and genuinely cares about me and my husband's health. My husband has been seeing Dr. Wang and Dr. Liu for cedar fever and has been amazed at what acupuncture and herbs can do for relief. I highly recommend Acupuncture Plus to anyone looking for solutions to their health without the side effects of Western medicine.
Judy L.
Dr. Wang is the best! I've been a patient for years and no longer living in north Austin, I will still travel 20 miles to see him. The staff is amazing. Always on top of billing and scheduling. Acupuncture works wonders for asthma and allergies. I highly recommend visiting Dr. Wang. You won't regret your decision.
Ada Sanchez
I've been using Dr Wang for quite a few years, not as often now since I don't go to Austin as often as I used to but he has consistently helped me, with managing allergies and arthritis and general problems of aging as well........wish he 300 miles closer to me, would visit about once a month then
John Carpenter
None was able to treat my allergies and asthma. This is the first year I survived without a sneeze and inhaler. Worth a try
Gurjeet Nagra
Don't let hay fever hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with our expert acupuncturists at Acupuncture Plus Austin and discover how hay fever acupuncture can transform your seasonal allergy experience. Relief is just a click or a call away.
Do you want to explore our services further or have additional questions? Book a consultation with us to learn how we can help you bid farewell to hay fever and embrace a symptom-free tomorrow.