Allergies Got You Down?

Many people have heard of acupuncture, but most may not know that acupuncture is only one small piece of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) umbrella. One might wonder how poking tiny pins in the body can boost the immune system and give relief from allergies. Of course, acupuncture can do just that, and it’s not the only tool we use at Empire Wellness Center to keep our patients safe from viruses and comfortable during allergy season. You might be asking, “Sharleen, why are you talking about the immune system and allergies?” In TCM, they are one in the same. An allergen and a bug (virus, bacteria, fungus, mold) are all outside critters that get into our bodies and need to be expelled.

Here are a few tools we use at Empire Wellness Center to keep our patients healthy and allergen-free:

Acupuncture is often associated with treating pain, and that’s not all it can do. Each channel is named for an internal organ to which its energy flows. Imagine you have allergies or catch a common virus floating around these days. Your respiratory system will develop symptoms: sneezing, coughing, sore throat, etc. We know your lungs are involved in this scenario. With acupuncture, I would choose points to help support the lungs, open the nasal passages, and drain your sinuses.

Herbs are the rockstars of the TCM world when it comes to supporting the immune system and fighting allergies. There are dozens of formulas designed to treat diseases and allergies at all stages. The great thing about having so many formulas to choose from is that they are tailored to your individual symptoms.

Supplements are an easy and (unfortunately) essential way to boost our immune system and block allergic reactions. The soil in the US where food grows has been depleted of nutrients since the 1930’s as reported to the US government, which means we need to get some micronutrients from supplements. Some of the best ones for immune support and allergies are Quercetin, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Magnesium. Not all supps are created equal though. A 2019 study by Harvard University showed that up to 90% of supplements from major manufacturers like Walgreens and Wal-Mart don’t even contain what they claim to sell. Plus, they often don’t label the toxic fillers that many people are allergic to. Be sure to buy your supplements from a trusted practitioner like Empire Wellness Center.

Qi Gong (pron. chee gong) is the mother of Tai Chi. This beautiful, low-impact practice has been proven to improve energy, improve breathing, reduce anxiety, and boost the immune system.

Cupping has been made popular in recent years from athletes in the Olympics and is definitely great for pain. It also helps release toxins from the skin and lungs allowing our outermost defense system (immunity) to work smarter, not harder.

I invite you to call the office to explore the infinite possibilities within wellness: 909-257-3010

Be well,

Sharleen