Alternative Treatment Options For Allergies and Asthma

Alternative Treatment Options For Allergies and Asthma

Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? Did you know acupuncture is an alternative treatment option for allergies and asthma? It’s a little-known fact that these two conditions are directly linked to each other. Asthma, which affects roughly one in 12 people according to the CDC, is characterized by spasms of the small airways and inflammation. Furthermore, about 90% of children under the age of 16 with asthma have allergies, while 70% of people between the ages of 16 and 30 have allergies, and 50% of adults over the age of 40 have allergies.

Unfortunately, most people who suffer from allergies and asthma simply mask their symptoms with drugs rather than seeking a treatment for the root cause. Both of these conditions involve overreactions by the body’s immune system to what it believes is a foreign invader. When you are exposed to an allergen (e.g. ragweed, pet dander, etc.), your immune system produces an abundance of inflammatory hormones, which subsequently cause the symptoms of allergies and asthma to manifest.

There are several alternative treatment options available for allergies and asthma, however, one of which is making dietary and lifestyle changes. We live in an age in which far too many people choose to pick up convenient fast food as opposed to preparing and cooking fresh meals. It’s not too bad to go for an occasional fast food, but basing the bulk of your diet around processed foods, such as this, will take a toll on your body. The lack of nutrients and increased intake of preservatives can disturb the immune system, causing greater sensitivity to allergens. A better choice is to consume a diet rich in lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Of course, herbal medicine is a time-tested alternative treatment for allergies and asthma. I can tell you personally that I have struggled, in the past, with allergies and asthma but I don’t anymore because of acupuncture, herbal remedies and diet changes. These solutions are what led me to become a Doctor of Acupuncture. Some of the most popular herbs used to treat these conditions include stinging nettle, ginkgo biloba, green tea, and reishi, all of which contain heavy concentrations of antioxidants. These antioxidants are believed to fight harmful chemicals in the body known as free radicals, which if left unchecked, may irritate existing conditions like allergies and asthma.

Acupuncture is also known to improve the symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers. This Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves stimulating the body’s functional energy (Qi) by placing small, thin needles directly under the skin. When a person’s Qi grows stagnant or deficient, he or she is more susceptible to disease and illness. Therefore, correcting this problem through acupuncture will naturally deter allergies, asthma and other common problems.

Everyone is different so make sure you seek professional help to get to the root of your health issues and avoid wasting your efforts on things that could prove to do more harm than good.

If you struggle with allergies and asthma call today to learn about all natural solutions to get your health back!