By Affiliate woman in business Lesley Johnsen, , MAc, LAc, Dipl
Many women in Baltimore, be it women in business or otherwise suffer from allergies this time of year. Increasingly a number of them are beginning to turn to acupuncture and other alternative medicines for seasonal allergies such as those caused by ragweed, mold and dust. Allergy acupuncture can greatly reduce uncomfortable allergy symptoms while also improving immune function to reduce future occurrences of these symptoms.
According to Dr. Ezra Cohen, professor at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL, fall allergies are caused by the air that we inhale. Autumn air in Baltimore is filled with wind-borne allergens, like ragweed, mold, and dust. The body recognizes these particles as foreign and triggers a histamine response, such as congestion, red, watery, and itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.
Acupuncture for fall allergies and asthma is proven effective in preventing the spread of infection and in speeding up the healing process of the sinuses affected by the inhalation of this foreign matter. It has the added bonus of being non-invasive and not conflicting with other medications. Acupuncture also is known to provide relaxation and stress relief – something all busy women, and women in business particularly – can benefit from to help them be the best they can be.
Many people nowadays reach for over-the-counter antihistamines, which are effective in blocking the infection but also produce adverse side-effects, such as drowsiness and poor mental clarity. Some antihistamines can even negatively interact with certain high-blood pressure and other medications.
Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective remedy in the immediate resolution of symptoms. More importantly, however, it can also help to balance the immune system and other individual root causes of allergies.
There are a lot of natural and herbal alternatives that can treat symptoms of seasonal allergies. These include a diet high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, herbal supplements, and homeopathic remedies. And of course, acupuncture.
In acupuncture, there are specific corresponding points used to unclog the sinuses and mucus membranes. Other points work directly on helping your body rid itself of these toxins while still others help improve overall immune function. Individual results vary from one patient to another. Most patients experience an immediate respite of symptoms, and lasting relief comes after several consecutive treatments.
In a recent study done by Dr. Maureen Williams, a naturopathic physician from Quechee, VT, 52 people suffering from allergy were randomly tested to find out the effectiveness of acupuncture in healing allergies, each receiving either weekly acupuncture sessions or placebo for six weeks.
At the end of six weeks, allergic symptoms for those who received the allergy acupuncture treatment significantly decreased compared to those who received placebo. Likewise, 85% of those who were treated with acupuncture showed great improvement, compared to only 40% of those who received placebo treatment.
At Source Acupuncture Center, allergy acupuncture usually begins with a series of several 30 minute treatments over several weeks. This helps restore the balance in the immune system without the usual side effects of over-the-counter medications. This balance offers safe, far-reaching benefits for those who suffer from seasonal allergy and asthma.
Lesley Johnsen, a nationally licensed acupuncturist, specializes in physical health issues including seasonal and mold allergies, asthma, sinusitis and chronic bronchial infections. Lesley practices just 15 minutes north of downtown Baltimore, convenient to Owings Mills, Pikesville, Towson and Mt. Washington.
For a free in-person or phone consultation, contact Lesley today at (410) 900-0115 for more information. Most major insurances accepted. Visit www.sourceacupuncturecenter.com today to learn more.