In my last post, I talked about how excited we New Yorkers are, now that it looks like spring is finally here. Longer days, warmer weather, and beautiful flowers (like these, which I photographed this afternoon) are the upsides of the change in seasons. But lately, I have had a lot of people come to my office complaining of allergies and pain or pressure in their sinuses. Can acupuncture help you with your seasonal allergies and sinus problems?Multiple research studies have found that acupuncture and herbs are useful in the treatment of allergies and allergy symptoms. One study on hay fever, published in the European Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, found that hay fever symptoms were reduced and quality of life increased for participants in the study who received active treatment with herbs and acupuncture. Another study, published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, found that among study participants who received acupuncture treatment, there was a reduction in allergy symptoms, both nasal and non-nasal, as compared with study subjects who received "sham" acupuncture treatment. Great news - there are beautiful flowers in bloom, so don't let your allergies get in the way of your spring fun!
Acupuncture can also be very effective for treating general sinus pain and pressure. One acupuncture point, Large Intestine 4, located on the hand, is known as the "Command Point of the Face", which means that it is very useful in treating disorders and pain of the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Since acupuncture and Chinese medicine are most effective when tailored to the needs of the individual, this point is combined with other points specific to your symptoms and your constitution. This customized point prescription, along with herbs, can be very helpful in reducing sinus pain and pressure.
Another great option for those who suffer from allergies and sinus troubles at this time of year is to use a neti pot. There have even been some research studies on neti pot use, such as this one published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, looking at the effectiveness of a neti pot in treating allergies and asthma. For those who are unfamiliar with this technique, it involves pouring salt water through the nasal cavity to flush out accumulated mucus and bacteria, thus shortening the duration and severity of allergies and sinus symptoms. It's also great if you have congestion that just won't go away. While many people are initially put off by the idea of using a neti pot, those who have used it will tell you that they literally breathe easier when the neti pot is part of their spring routine. Around this time of year, I spend a lot of time encouraging my allergy patients to give the neti pot a try, and referring them to YouTube videos to learn the technique!
Are you suffering from allergies? Do you you want to enjoy the parks and walk in the spring sunshine, but worry that an allergy attack or sinus pain will ruin your fun? Acupuncture and herbs are a great way to address these symptoms. If you have more questions or want to ask how Chinese medicine can help you, feel free to give me a call. Happy spring!
