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Your allergies are acting up again. Your eyes are red and itchy, you sneeze, and as you reach for an antihistamine you think maybe it's time to see an allergist. Wait, what about an acupuncturist?

Acupuncture for allergies? It's true. As the ancient Eastern healing practice gains respect in the Western world, some allergy sufferers are choosing the thin needles of an acupuncturist over allergy shots.

Why the switch? Allergy medications don't work for many people. The drugs may have caused side effects or reacted with other medications. Or some people don't want to start medication if they don't have to. They're willing to try other things and use medication as a last resort.

Treatment with acupuncture can dramatically ease someone's allergic reactions. In some cases, it can actually help the person tolerate what used to cause the sneezing and wheezing.

Not just treating symptoms

Whether you're allergic to peanuts or shellfish, ragweed or dog dander doesn't matter. An acupuncturist treats the individual, not the symptoms. Acupuncturist claim that allergy symptoms are a way of expressing a deeper imbalance in a person's system.

How acupuncture works to control allergies isn't exactly known. However, instead of using chemicals like an antihistamine to control an allergic reaction, acupuncture works with the person's internal pharmacy.

Experts suggest that acupuncture alters the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally.

There's also evidence that acupuncture can stimulate immune function changes. An allergy attack is an immune response. The body's immune system becomes sensitive and reacts to substances called allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, molds, food and medications.

The needles used in acupuncture are almost like switches in the energy circuits of the body. Imagine the body as the computer and the energy system as the software program. The needles may help can be "re-program" the body so it doesn't react to pollen or dog dander or peanuts as if they were harmful substances.

The placement of the needles, the direction and depth of insertion, and the manipulation of the needle in the patient's body all depend on that person's system or makeup.

How long someone receives treatment for allergies depends again on the individual. Typically, allergy sufferers go weekly for the first four to six treatments. Some patients may need more, some less. Then the acupuncturist may try to extend the time between treatments.

Combination approach to treatment

It's not necessary to ignore Western medicine when treating someone with acupuncture. For example, acupuncturists recommend environmental controls, just as allergists do. Controls such as avoiding certain foods, not going outside when pollen counts are high or vacuuming with a special HEPA filter can reduce a person's exposure to an allergen.

If your system is challenged, chances are higher that you'll have a problem. But if you lessen the attacks by outside influences that cause these things, then the chances of having symptoms is lower.

Some patients may keep taking medication while receiving acupuncture. Acupuncture can be used alone, or along with conventional drugs.

If you start feeling better, tell your doctor. the doctor might modify the amount or type of medication you're on. In time, you may be able to stop medication completely.