Acupuncture For Asthma and Allergies

25 million people in the United States struggle with asthma. More than 100 million people in America suffer from allergies.

The rise asthma is attributed largely to the “hygiene hypothesis” which state that over-sanitizing a child’s environment can lead to decreased immune function and disease resistance. The result: increased incidence of asthma and allergies. Other potential culprits include poor nutrition as a result of the Standard American Diet, an increase in urban air pollution, airborne pollens, overuse of antibiotics, energy-proofing of indoor home/work/school spaces.

Conventional treatments for allergies and asthma can come with negative side effects, leading many to turn to natural alternatives. This is where acupuncture comes in. Acupuncture has been found to be a beneficial treatment for both allergies and asthma. Diet and lifestyle also play a role, so a fully holistic approach that incorporates acupuncture, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors may be recommended. Read on to learn more about the healing power of acupuncture and complementary treatments!

Does acupuncture for asthma work?

Acupuncture has long been used in China as a form of asthma treatment, and increasing evidence supports its efficacy. Several studies have found that acupuncture significantly reduces asthma-related symptoms, influences inflammation, improves forced expiratory volume, improves lung function, and can even decrease medication usage.

The theory behind acupuncture for asthma is that it triggers the central nervous system, releasing neurochemical messengers throughout the body. This process helps rebalance the body's systems and improve overall health. This means that acupuncture for asthma and allergies can be a useful complementary therapy to standard medication. Consult your physician before making changes to your asthma treatment regimen.

Does acupuncture relieve allergies?

One research study in Berlin examined 422 participants that were split into three groups. Out of the three groups, one was given antihistamines, another was given acupuncture, and the remaining group was given “sham” acupuncture where needles were randomly distributed on the body. The acupuncture group experienced the most improvement in their symptoms. Other research studies examining acupuncture for allergies found that acupuncture may be helpful in addressing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, with participants reporting significant improvements in not only their allergy symptoms but their overall quality of life as well.

Acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies, including hay fever and watery eyes. Because allergies are the result of the immune system mistakenly misidentifying a substance, acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms.

Acupuncture can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside Western medicine. It's a great alternative to allergy medications as it has no lingering side effects, and it doesn't introduce more chemicals into your system. However, it's important to choose a qualified Orlando acupuncturist for your treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Asthma causes inflammation of the airways. Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation by altering the levels of specific mediators. Among these mediators are histamine and serotonin. These mediators are responsible for the symptoms associated with asthma and allergies.

Acupuncture works by inserting tiny, hair-thin needles in strategic locations on your body. The needles are small enough to cause little discomfort. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Is acupuncture effective?

Research has suggested that acupuncture can help allergy sufferers control their symptoms. The immune system is responsible for allergies, and acupuncture may reduce the levels of inflammatory proteins that contribute to symptoms. This can help asthma and allergy sufferers reduce inflammation and improve their quality of life. Acupuncture is an effective way to reduce symptoms of allergies, as well as asthma.

Asthma and allergy sufferers may find that acupuncture has benefits beyond relieving symptoms. Other science-based benefits of asthma include: