Millions of Americans suffer from allergies and sinus problems annually. With allergens so prevalent in the atmosphere, it is no surprise that many people seek ways to relieve their allergies and sinus problems. Common treatments include decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. However, more and more people are turning to alternative remedies such as acupuncture for relief from allergies and sinus symptoms.

At Art of Chinese Healing, we use acupuncture to address these symptoms. We are a holistic healing clinic providing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services in Los Angeles, CA. Contact us today to explore how our acupuncture treatments can enhance your well-being.

Understanding Sinus and Allergy Problems

Sinus infections and allergies are often mistaken for one another. However,  they are different conditions with different symptoms. Understanding this can help you address each one more effectively.

Allergies result from the immune system’s response to some allergens, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. Sinusitis, or sinus infection, develops when the nasal passages become infected. Both conditions can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to symptoms such as a stuffy nose and congestion.

Allergies can appear at any age. Although they are more common in children, adults can also develop allergies to certain substances. When you have an allergy, your immune system releases histamine, causing symptoms like sneezing, headaches, and congestion.You could also feel foggy and develop skin rashes.

Severe allergies can trigger allergic rhinitis, which resembles a cold. Allergic rhinitis symptoms include those mentioned above, plus itchy eyes. The itching associated with allergies is a key symptom distinguishing it from sinusitis.

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is caused by a virus that affects the cavities surrounding your nasal passages.

The condition causes:

  • Inflammation and swelling in your sinuses
  • Blocked sinus drainage
  • Mucus buildup.
  • Congested nasal passages
  • Breathing difficulties

Sinusitis often causes thick, discolored nasal discharge, bad breath, and a decreased sense of smell. You might also feel pressure around your eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead and have headaches. Sinusitis can also lead to a sore throat and a cough.

Common allergy treatments include:

  • Antihistamines administered as tablets or sprays
  • Allergy immunotherapy
  • Nasal steroid sprays

These treatments aim to reduce the body’s immune response to allergens.

Sinusitis is typically treated with prescription saline rinses, antibiotics, or steroids administered orally or through nasal passages to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, it is crucial to seek treatment, whether it is suffering from sinusitis or allergies causing your discomfort. If these medical treatments fail to relieve your sinus allergy symptoms, consider acupuncture as an alternative. Acupuncture may be beneficial if you prefer a more natural approach or have recurring allergies or sinus problems.

The Basics of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Studies on TCM have shown that your body's qi (energy) flow directly relates to your overall health. This energy moves along meridians, which are invisible pathways throughout your body.

These meridians exist in various spots throughout your entire body. Qi is believed to help maintain the body’s balance and enhance its natural healing ability. Blocked or disrupted qi flow can negatively impact both emotional and physical well-being.

During an acupuncture session, tiny needles are carefully inserted into specific spots on your skin. These spots are chosen depending on your symptoms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is believed to clear any blockages in your body’s energy pathways.Acupuncture can help relieve sinus issues like headaches, pain, pressure, and congestion.

How Acupuncture Treats Sinusitis or Allergies

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, nasal symptoms indicate internal imbalances and dysfunction within the body’s organs. The nose’s condition is closely linked to lung condition. Lungs are most vulnerable to foreign pathogens like bacteria and allergens, and they are typically the first organs affected by colds or allergies.

Chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis may stem from other internal bodily imbalances. Your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner will ask questions to determine the origin of the issue in your body.

Acupuncture will help relieve your current symptoms and tackle the underlying cause of the issue. Once the root cause of your chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis is identified, this holistic practice can restore your body’s energy flow and treat your condition.

This treatment not only relieves nasal symptoms but also helps prevent them from coming back. Acupuncture reduces congestion, clears the nose, and eases pressure or discomfort. Many patients notice a big change in their symptoms after just one treatment.

Early treatment for allergic sinusitis can enhance your quality of life and lower the need for long-term medication.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture is believed to restore bodily balance, enhancing overall well-being and health. It can alleviate sinus and allergy issues by:

Relieving Inflammation

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation caused by allergies or sinuses, relieving nasal passage blockage issues. Practitioners can effectively alleviate nasal passage and sinus inflammation and relieve symptoms by targeting specific acupuncture points.

Enhancing the Immune System

Acupuncture can boost a patient’s immune system, improving its resistance to allergens. This enhancement may reduce the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms.

Controlling the Histamine Reaction

Histamine is a compound that the body releases in response to allergens, causing various unpleasant allergy symptoms. Acupuncture can effectively control the body’s histamine response, clearing sneezing,  itchiness, and other allergy-related symptoms.

Enhancing the Body’s Blood Flow

Acupuncture improves blood circulation, helping the body efficiently remove allergens and lower congestion. This can ease your breathing and lead to fewer sinus-related headaches.

Promote Relaxation

Stress can make allergy symptoms worse. Fortunately, acupuncture can help to calm the central nervous system, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress. This relaxation effect can offer extra relief for people with allergies.

What You Can Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment for Sinusitis and Allergies

The acupuncturist will evaluate your symptoms and medical history before beginning treatment. They will then pick the appropriate acupuncture points to address your symptoms. Your body has countless potential acupuncture points. Some points have multiple applications, and practitioners may use different points for the same condition.

The following are some of the most commonly used acupuncture points for treating allergic rhinitis and sinus problems:

  • Bitong (EM7)
  • Hegu (LI4)
  • Yingxiang (LI20)
  • Juliao (ST3)
  • Quchi (LI11)
  • Fenglong (ST40)
  • Yangbai (GB14)
  • Sibai (ST2)
  • Shangxing (GV23)

The tiny needles usually remain in place for twenty to thirty minutes. During this time, you might feel a slight tingling, warmth, or pressure. Many patients report that acupuncture treatments promote feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Is Acupuncture a Safe Treatment Option For Allergies And Sinusitis?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that acupuncture is generally safe when administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner. However, wrong execution or the use of non-sterile needles could lead to serious adverse effects.

Licensed acupuncturists must use single-use needles, greatly reducing the risk of complications. Therefore, seeking treatment from a licensed practitioner should significantly lower the likelihood of experiencing any complications.

Some patients may experience mild side effects after an acupuncture session, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Pain or sensitivity in the treated areas

It is also advisable to refrain from trying acupuncture if you:

  • Are expectant to avoid accidentally induced labor
  • Possess a pacemaker, which may be affected by the mild electric pulses sometimes applied to acupuncture needles
  • Are currently prescribed anticoagulant medication or have a medical condition that causes excessive bleeding

How Can I Try Acupuncture?

If you have decided to undergo acupuncture, it is crucial to choose a certified acupuncturist. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) provides licensing programs and exams, although specific requirements for obtaining a license vary countrywide.

When searching for an acupuncturist, note that a certified and licensed acupuncturist are not synonymous. Medical professionals such as doctors and dentists may hold certificates in acupuncture and have completed several hundred hours of training. However, their practical experience with patients may be limited.

In contrast, licensed acupuncturists usually undergo extensive training of several hours and must treat a certain number of people before they receive their license.

Alternatively, you can ask your primary care physician for a referral or consult the NCCAOM acupuncturist registry. Once you find a provider, contact the relevant state licensing board to see if they are licensed in your state.

Consider these questions before scheduling an appointment:

  1. How many years has the practitioner been handling patients?
  2. Have they used acupuncture to treat sinus or allergy problems before?
  3. How long does the treatment last?
  4. Do they accept insurance?

If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, please inform them. They can address your concerns and help you feel more at ease before your first treatment session. Acupuncture typically requires multiple sessions over a few weeks to have a noticeable effect. Therefore, expect to be asked to return for additional treatments.

While some acupuncturists accept insurance, not every insurer covers acupuncture. Contact your insurance provider to determine if they cover acupuncture treatments and, if so, to what extent.

Other Natural Ways of Managing Allergies and Sinus

Besides acupuncture, several safe alternatives effectively manage allergies. While research on many of these methods is limited and more human research is required, you could try the following alternatives:

Sinus Rinsing

Flushing your nasal passages with distilled water can provide relief. It removes particles of pollen, dust, and mucus, improving your ability to sleep and breathe more effectively.

Vitamin D

Several studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can worsen allergy symptoms. However, the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation remains uncertain.

Butterbur

Evidence suggests extracts from the butterbur plant’s root or leaves may alleviate allergy symptoms. However, current data remains insufficient to be conclusive.

Black Seed Oil

According to research, black seed oil, or nigella sativa oil, can improve allergy symptoms when used as a nasal drop or oral supplement. However, it is important to note that black seed oil may cause skin allergies, such as rashes, in some individuals.

Spirulina

Some studies show that consuming high amounts of spirulina can improve nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose symptoms.

Honey

Combining honey with antihistamine treatments can provide allergy symptom relief compared to using medication alone. However, one study found that consuming a teaspoon of honey daily does not impact allergy symptoms.

Before starting any vitamin or supplement regimen, consult your healthcare practitioner. It is crucial to ensure the safety and non-interaction of vitamins or supplements with your current medications.

Managing Allergies at Home After Acupuncture

Implementing specific lifestyle changes can alleviate allergy symptoms, particularly those caused by airborne allergens like pollen. Examples include:

  1. Wash your hands, change your clothes, and clean your face after being outdoors
  2. Shower before going to bed to remove allergens from your hair
  3. Use an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to eliminate dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and bacteria
  4. Wear a face mask while mowing the lawn or gardening
  5. Change your bed sheets and pillowcases more frequently. Wash them in hot water to eliminate allergenic substances
  6. Modify outdoor activity timing based on weather conditions and pollen levels

Some patients may need to use different strategies, including taking allergy medication. Many options are available, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture For Allergies and SInuses

The following are some of the commonly asked questions on acupuncture for treating allergies and sinuses:

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Needed For Allergies and Sinuses?

The recommended number of acupuncture sessions for treating allergies and sinus issues varies based on individual conditions, treatment responses, and financial resources. Typically, more frequent sessions are needed initially.

One session a month is unlikely to alleviate the root cause of your health issue. A personalized treatment plan, developed with a qualified acupuncturist, will determine the optimal frequency and duration of sessions for each patient. Your specific medical history and any additional underlying health concerns will also determine the frequency of treatment.

Typically, treatment consists of six sessions. However, the number of sessions may vary, with some individuals requiring fewer and others with chronic conditions needing more.

Acupuncture has a temporary effect. You might experience its therapeutic benefits for about 3-4 days. If you are dealing with a one-time issue rather than a chronic problem, you can have treatment once a week. If you can afford it, receiving treatment twice a week can be beneficial for critical issues. Your acupuncturist will guide you on the optimal treatment plan.

After your symptoms have diminished and you have experienced some progress, you can schedule regular acupuncture sessions for maintenance every 1-2 months, depending on your condition. If you have a chronic condition, you may need maintenance treatments more frequently.

What Kind Of Clothing Should I Wear For My Acupuncture Appointment?

Wear loose clothing for acupuncture sessions to allow easy access to different body areas. Garments should be able to roll up to the knees or elbows, reaching commonly used acupuncture points. Acupuncturists often stimulate specific points below the knees and elbows using thin needles. Women can usually keep their bras on for most of the session.

You must provide your medical history and undergo a tongue and pulse examination before your acupuncture session. You will also recline on the couch for up to 30 minutes during treatment, so it is crucial to wear comfortable attire.

Avoid attending your acupuncture appointment on an empty stomach to prevent potential dizziness afterward. Refrain from consuming coffee several hours before pulse diagnosis, as it can alter the tongue coating’s color and affect the diagnosis’s accuracy.

Avoid taking medications or eating a large meal before your appointments, as these may affect your energy flow. Many acupuncturists use a heat lamp that gives gentle warmth, eliminating the need to wear a jumper or sweater.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture uses thin needles that do not cause pain when inserted properly. Most people feel little to no discomfort when the needles go in. Sometimes, there could be a slight, temporary muscle ache, but the process should not hurt.

If you feel any discomfort during your session, be sure to tell your acupuncturist. The needles used in acupuncture are also sterilized and regulated by the FDA as medical devices.

How Long Do the Effects of Acupuncture Last?

The length of time that acupuncture benefits last can vary from person to person and depends on a few factors. These include:

  • The patient’s age
  • The patient’s overall health
  • The specific condition being treated
  • How long the patient has been receiving acupuncture
  • Whether the patient is also getting other treatments for their condition
  • Any other existing health issues

At first, the effects of acupuncture might last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after each session. The relief from sinusitis and allergies could last longer if you go for acupuncture frequently. This can lead to permanent results.

Find an Acupuncture Clinic Near Me

If you are dealing with sinus and allergy issues and want a natural alternative to standard medications, acupuncture is what you need. At Art of Chinese Healing in Los Angeles, we offer holistic healing treatments like acupuncture to help with your symptoms. We are dedicated to helping you find relief and supporting your journey to better health. Call us at 310-405-1610