A fresh layer of snow coated the ground recently, so you’ll never guess what I’m thinking about...spring-time allergies!
You know the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? Well that rings especially true for those of you who deal with seasonal allergies. Late winter (yes, February!) is the time to get in for your preventative treatments with your acupuncturist to ensure your sinuses are happy and healthy when greenery starts to bud in the spring.
So, here are a few of our favorite ways to keep seasonal allergies at bay:
Acupuncture- Receiving acupuncture 2-4 times a month gives our immune system the boost it needs to function optimally when it becomes challenged by spring-time pollen, mold, dust and other allergens. We like using the analogy of training for a 5K or marathon; you’ve gotta put in your time at the gym if you want your body to perform at its best at game time. Make sure that acupuncture is an essential part of your training regimen.
Cupping- Oh cupping, how we love thee! The body’s natural response to cupping is the release of the natural enzyme Heme oxygenase-1. HO-1 can affect a wide variety of your body’s functions, including a strong boost to the immune system. HO-1 acts as an antioxidant, removes iron from old cells, allows new cells to regenerate, and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Essentially the more HO-1 in your system, the stronger your immune system!
Herbal medicine- We’d love to tell you the magic bullet combination of herbs that is going to prevent all your allergies from popping up, but we can’t. And that’s because that magic bullet formula is different for each of us! Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal medicine recognize that each of us display our own unique set of constitutional and acute patterns, so what may be great at preventing allergies will vary widely from person to person. This is what makes traditional medical systems so different from Western medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Chinese medicine practitioners take the time to discern your unique needs and choose the appropriate combination of herbs for YOU.
And there you have it!
Three things you can do, starting right now, that will make your spring-time exceedingly more enjoyable if you experience allergies.
*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
