As spring blooms, have you noticed your nose running or eyes itching more? If so, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies occur when environmental “antigens” interact with antibodies, proteins made by your body’s immune system. These interactions can produce clear, watery phlegm, itching, sneezing, headache and fatigue.

The most common antigens are pollen, that fine yellow powder that both helps plants reproduce and dusts the hoods of our cars. But once a sensitivity in the mucosal tissue is active, it can be more reactive to a variety of irritants like smoke, fumes, and perfume, as well as other antigens like pet dander, dust, mold, and mites.

If you only get symptoms seasonally, you have – you guessed it – seasonal allergies. If you suffer from these symptoms all the time, well, lucky you – you unfortunately have chronic allergies.

Treatment Options

The most common allopathic treatment, ie. western medical treatment, for both seasonal and chronic allergies are antihistamines and steroidal nasal sprays. If these work well for you and you do not experience bothersome side effects, then you may not need to read any further.

The most common Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for allergies, i.e. acupuncture and herbs, is a visit to your acupuncturist once a week before and during your high allergy season and some take home herbs to help keep your breathing clear.

For those of you who experience side effects from such antihistamines and steroidal nasal sprays, including sedation, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, stomach upset, or for whom the standard treatment does not resolve your allergic symptoms, acupuncture and herbs offer an effective alternative and possible relief.

Can I get acupuncture and herbs at WholeFamily MD?

Yes! We now have an experienced and skilled acupuncturist and herbalist in our Noe Valley office every Wednesday. You can schedule online with Dr. Giulietta Octavio, DACM here.

Have Questions?

Dr. Giulietta Octavio, DACM, can answer your questions and help determine if this treatment option is right for you. Simply send her a note here.  

Want More Information?

Here are a few studies on the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children and adults:

• A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis
• A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Childhood Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
• Effect of Acupuncture on Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical and Laboratory Evaluations