Breathe Easier: How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Help with Allergies

Dandelions in a field bathed in sun.

If you’re like a lot of people in Portland, spring and summer can be a double-edged sword. Everything is blooming and beautiful but for many of us, that also means itchy eyes, sneezing, runny noses, and that constant pressure in your head that you think won't ever stop. Allergies and allergic rhinitis (a fancy term for seasonal or environmental allergies) can make daily life pretty miserable.

The good news. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a natural, effective alternative to over-the-counter allergy medications and they actually work to treat the root of the problem, not just cover up the symptoms.

So, What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

In simple terms, it’s your body overreacting to things like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. Portland’s lush greenery and long growing season make it a hotspot for seasonal allergies especially in the spring and early fall.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Sinus pressure

• Fatigue

Most people reach for antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots but those often come with side effects and only offer temporary relief.

How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Helps with Allergies

Acupuncture works by calming the immune system, reducing inflammation, and down regulating the nervous system. In Chinese Medicine herbal medicine is often the first line of defense against seasonal allergies.

Clinical research backs this up: a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced allergy symptoms and medication use in people with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

In my practice, many patients notice:

• Less congestion and sinus pressure

• Reduced sneezing and watery eyes

• Improved sleep and energy

• Less reliance on allergy medications

The Power of Chinese Herbs for Allergies

Herbal medicine is like the secret sauce in Chinese medicine it’s what helps keep the results going between treatments. Depending on your specific symptoms, we use herbal formulas to:

• Open up nasal passages and clear phlegm

• Reduce inflammation

• Support the lungs and immune system

• Balance your body’s response to allergens

Some of our go-to formulas include:

• Bi Yan Pian – great for runny nose, sinus pressure, and sneezing

• Yu Ping Feng San – helps prevent allergy flare-ups

• Cang Er Zi San – reduces congestion and sinus headaches

Every formula is customized to you, and we always consider your overall health, digestion, and energy levels before prescribing anything.

Allergy Season in Portland Doesn’t Have to Be Miserable

Here at Stumptown Acupuncture in SE Portland, we help people just like you find natural, lasting relief from allergies without drowsy medications or constant frustration. Acupuncture and herbal medicine don’t just treat the symptoms they support your body so you’re less reactive in the first place.

Whether you’re dealing with tree pollen, pet dander, or year-round allergies, we're here to help you.

Come visit us at Stumptown Acupuncture in Portland.

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