(Part 10 in a Series from The Acupuncture Wellness Center in Los Angeles)

In Part 1 of this series I mentioned that the most frequently asked question at The Acupuncture Wellness in Los Angeles is “How does acupuncture work?”  I further mentioned that the answer depends on what you are treating and that acupuncture needles do one of the following:

1.  Acupuncture needles affect the muscles and tissue that need treating directly.

2.  Acupuncture needles promote or inhibit specific functions of the central nervous system.

How Does Acupuncture Work in Treating Allergies?

In the case of dermatological allergies such as hives, welts or rashes, the primary focus is on simultaneously increasing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.  Most dermatological allergies are caused by a combination of poor circulation leading to undernourished tissue with poor lymphatic drainage leading to excessive toxic cellular waste within the tissue.  Poor nourishment and excessive toxicity may lead to a inflammation and a volatile environment.  Such a volatile environment can be “flared up” with certain foods.  In these cases needles may be inserted strategically all over the body to promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. In addition, a traditional negative pressure therapy known as cupping may be applied to further mobilize interstitial fluids.   By simply promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage the patient can make great strides in becoming totally tolerant of known allergens without any future reactions.

In addition to the above, when treating allergies it is important to relax the central nervous system.  Therefore,  needles will be placed strategically to relax the central nervous system, taking it out of the stress mode and putting it into the mode of optimal homeostasis. Particularly the needles will focus on activating hematpoiisis, the process of making new red blood cells and fluid metabolism.  Staying relaxed and promoting good digestion are tantamount to this process and will be addressed as well.  My experience with treating allergies shows a significant reduction in allergic reactions with just the first treatment and total reduction in approximately 80% of the time after a few treatments.  

In addition to the above diet, exercise, cognitive behavioral modifications and herbal remedies can all play a roll and will be discussed. The goal of treatments at The Acupuncture Wellness Center in Los Angeles is to teach patients how to maintain excellent health on their own without continuous acupuncture treatments.

It is my hope that for anyone suffering from allergies that this blog will answer the question: How does acupuncture work in treating Allergies?  Look out for more blogs from The Acupuncture Wellness Center in Los Angeles CA on “How does acupuncture work?”  Or call our friendly staff and make your appointment today.  Se habla espanol.

Dr. John Barrett of The Acupuncture Wellness Center is on staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has a private practice in the Century City Medical Plaza in Los Angeles CA.  He is available for radio talk shows and lectures on staying healthy while excelling.