Allergies can be bothersome and uncomfortable. Symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itching can create difficulties. Many treatments are available to help manage allergies. Some individuals may find traditional methods unsuitable for them. Acupuncture can help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy used for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are throughout the body and link to various organs and systems. When these needles are inserted, they stimulate the body’s healing processes, which can help relieve symptoms of various conditions, including allergies.

The theory behind acupuncture for allergies is that it helps to balance and restore energy flow, or qi, throughout the body. This energy is thought to be responsible for maintaining the body’s balance and health. When energy flow is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to physical, mental, and emotional imbalances, manifesting as a wide range of symptoms, including allergies.

Treating allergy symptoms through acupuncture

When treating allergies with acupuncture, the goal is to reduce inflammation, which is one of the main causes of allergy symptoms. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins, hormones that act as natural painkillers and anti-inflammatories. 

Additionally, acupuncture can help improve circulation and boost the immune system, both of which can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Researchers believe acupuncture helps allergy symptoms by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents. Endorphins can reduce inflammation in the nose and throat that can cause allergic reactions. It also stimulates the nervous system to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can help reduce stress levels that can exacerbate allergies. 

Furthermore, acupuncture can improve blood circulation and reduce mucus production in the sinuses, which can help alleviate congestion associated with seasonal allergies.

Reduces Inflammatory Response

Acupuncture has been proven to reduce the inflammatory response associated with allergies. It does this by stimulating the immune system to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help reduce swelling, itching, and other allergy symptoms. 

Acupuncture helps to reduce the inflammatory response by:

1. Regulating the Release of Cytokines: Acupuncture has decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, while increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. This shift in cytokine production helps to reduce inflammation.
2. Modulating Immune Cells: Acupuncture has been found to affect various types of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages. Acupuncture can stimulate or inhibit the activity of these immune cells, depending on the type of immune response needed to reduce inflammation.
3. Enhancing Blood Circulation: Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the treated area, which can help deliver nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and remove waste products that can contribute to inflammation.
4. Stimulating the Nervous System: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins and other neuropeptides that can help to reduce inflammation by blocking pain signals and regulating the immune response.

Regulates Histamine Levels

Acupuncture can also help regulate histamine levels in the body, which can help reduce allergic reactions and symptoms. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical released when the body comes into contact with certain allergens and can cause inflammation, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. 

Getting acupuncture treatment has been found to reduce inflammation in the body by modulating the immune system’s response to an injury or infection. When the body is injured or invaded by a pathogen, the immune system releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that trigger an inflammatory response. 

This response is essential for healing and protection from further damage. Still, when the inflammatory response is excessive or prolonged, it can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and chronic pain.

Improves Immune System Function

Acupuncture can help improve the function of the immune system, which can help reduce allergic reactions and symptoms. It does this by increasing circulation to the areas affected by allergies and activating the body’s natural healing response. 

Acupuncture boosts immune cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells. By stimulating the growth of these cells, the immune systems of people with immunological-related disorders are strengthened.

Stimulates Endorphin Release

Endorphins are hormones released when we experience pleasure or pain relief, and they can help reduce allergies by acting as natural antihistamines. Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the release of endorphins, which can help reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. 

Endorphins are a neuropeptide the nervous system produces in response to stress or pain. They bind to specific receptors in the brain and body, helping reduce pain and promote well-being.

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins in several ways. 

1. Stimulation of nerve fibres: Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body, stimulating nerve fibres in the skin and muscle tissue. These nerve fibres then transmit signals to the brain, which can trigger the release of endorphins.
2. Activation of the hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that regulates various bodily functions, including pain perception and emotional responses. Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the hypothalamus, which can lead to increased production and release of endorphins.
3. Reduction of stress: Acupuncturists help reduce stress and anxiety, which can also release endorphins. Endorphins are released to help manage the stress response and promote relaxation when the body is under stress.

Balances Energy Flow

Acupuncture balances energy flow throughout the body. By restoring balance to the body’s energy flow, acupuncture can help reduce allergy symptoms by allowing for proper circulation and improved immune system function.

Acupuncture is believed to restore balance to the body’s energy flow. This can be achieved in several ways—

1. Activation of Acupuncture Points: Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body where energy flow can be stimulated. The body’s energy flow can be directed and balanced by inserting needles into these points. The stimulation of acupuncture points is thought to increase the production and flow of energy through the body, promoting healing and improving overall health.

2. Releasing of Blockages: Blockages or restrictions in the body’s energy flow can lead to pain, discomfort, and illness. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, blockages can be released, and energy flow can be restored. This can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

3. Harmonization of Yin and Yang: In traditional Chinese medicine, yin and yang are opposing forces that must be balanced for optimal health. Yin represents feminine, cool, and calming energy, while yang represents masculine, warm, and energizing energy. Imbalances in these forces can lead to physical and emotional health problems. Acupuncture is believed to restore balance to yin and yang energies, promoting overall health and well-being.

4. Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system controls many autonomic functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Acupuncture has been found to regulate the autonomic nervous system, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotional imbalances.

Wrapping up

As an alternative therapy, acupuncture can help by stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health and well-being. You can get acupuncture treatment in Calgary where certified professionals target specific acupuncture points related to the respiratory and immune systems. Acupuncture treatment can relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. 

However, it is important to consult a qualified acupuncturist and a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment and ensure that acupuncture is safe and effective for an individual’s specific allergy symptoms.