Portland's lush greenery is beautiful — and brutal if you have allergies. Grass, tree pollen, and mold affect millions of Oregonians. Acupuncture offers real, lasting relief by addressing your immune system's overreaction at its root.
How Acupuncture Helps Allergies
Acupuncture regulates your immune system and reduces the inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms. Instead of blocking histamine (like antihistamines do), it trains your body to respond more appropriately to pollen, dust, and other triggers.
Studies show acupuncture reduces IgE levels — the antibodies involved in allergic reactions — and decreases nasal inflammation. A large 2013 German study of 5,000 allergy sufferers found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms and quality of life compared to standard care.
What I Treat
I regularly help patients with seasonal allergies (hay fever), year-round allergies (dust, mold, pet dander), allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergy-triggered asthma. Many patients come to me when antihistamines stop working or cause too many side effects.
When to Start Treatment
The best time to begin acupuncture for seasonal allergies is four to six weeks before your season starts. In Portland, that usually means starting in late February for tree pollen season, or in April for grass pollen season.
If you're already in the middle of a bad allergy season, starting treatment now still helps. It won't have the same preventive effect, but it can reduce your current symptoms significantly.
A Chinese Medicine Approach
Chinese medicine sees allergies as a weakness in the lung and wei qi (defensive energy) systems. Treatment strengthens these systems while also addressing the specific symptoms — runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, or postnasal drip — that are most bothersome to you.
I often combine acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine for allergies. Formulas like Bi Yan Pian (Nose Inflammation Tablet) and Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen) can dramatically reduce symptom severity between sessions.
Ready to experience acupuncture in Portland?
Amy Chitwood Burslem is a licensed acupuncturist at Calm Acupuncture in SW Portland. She offers a free initial phone consultation.
Schedule a consultationFrequently Asked Questions
How many acupuncture sessions do I need for allergies?
For seasonal allergies, a typical course is 6 to 10 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks. For year-round allergies, ongoing monthly maintenance works best after an initial intensive period.
Can kids get acupuncture for allergies?
Yes, with pediatric techniques. For young children, I use acupressure or very shallow, quick needle insertions. Children typically respond very quickly to treatment.
Does acupuncture help with sinus pressure?
Yes, very effectively. Specific acupuncture points immediately above the sinuses and on the face reduce congestion and pressure, often within the same session.