Acupuncture is a safe and healthy way to increase your energy. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is organized around the central theme of building and supporting the “Qi” (pronounced Chi) energy or “life force energy” of the body. Each organ system makes its unique contribution to create an integrated and optimum functioning of the human body. There are acupuncture points that are proven to connect to and build the function of each of these organs.
The lungs strength helps to prevent cold and flu from entering the body through the nose and lungs. Lu 1 for allergies, pneumonia, bronchitis and coughing. Lu 7 for general use to support lung function. Lu 10 for laryngitis, severe sore throat with fever, loss of voice.
The stomach and digestive system must be strong to absorb nutrients from our foods to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to strengthen the overall body and immune system. St 25 and St 36 promotes the function of the intestines (absorption of nutrients, resolving constipation, diarrhea and emaciation due to general deficiency).
The kidney strength tonified by acupuncture supports jing (life force), bones, and marrow (brain function). Ki 3, Ki 7 and Ki 27 strengthen and tonify the kidneys.
Tension held in the body causes vasoconstriction to muscles and organs. Stimulation with acupuncture causes blood to move in a balanced way. Blood transports vital nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body, organs and muscles, which will supply the necessary items for you to make more energy.
7 Nutrients to Support the Immune System
A class of plant chemicals known as bioflavonoids has been found to dramatically reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders.
Tea – Both green and black tea contain the flavonoids catechin and theaflavin, which are beneficial in treating autoimmune disease.
Apples – Apples (with the skin on) contain the flavonoid quercetin, which can reduce allergic reactions and decrease inflammation. Quercetin also occurs naturally in other foods, such as berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea.
Carrots – Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is can cause inflammation. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash and collard greens.
Garlic – Garlic contains a compound called allicin which supports the immune system and has both antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities. Research suggests that components of garlic may reduce the incidence of cancer cell formation in the body in much the same way vitamin C does.
Ginger – Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting prostaglandin and suppressing the immune system’s production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Omega-3 – Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation. Good, natural sources include flaxseed oil and salmon.
Fiber – A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity and lighten the burden on your immune system.
Study Shows Acupuncture Provides Relief From Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
How well does acupuncture address the symptoms of allergic rhinitis? The study titled “Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the January 2015 edition of the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, answers this question.
Researchers took an in-depth look at numerous scientific studies from all over the world that focused on patients with nasal problems due to allergies. To maintain the integrity of the meta-analysis, only randomized controlled trials were utilized. The focus of the investigation centered on the potency and safety of using acupuncture to address symptoms affecting the nose.
The large-scale analysis included several studies with nearly 2,400 test subjects. To properly assess the efficacy of acupuncture, researchers looked at rhinitis quality of life questionnaires and 36-item short form surveys (SF-36). These are medical tools used to evaluate a patient’s symptoms.
To help discern the power of acupuncture, researchers scrutinized evaluation charts regarding the severity and symptoms of each patient. Additionally, levels of serum IgE in the bloodstream and medication usage for each participant were important factors.
In all studies, researchers discovered that the groups of patients receiving acupuncture experienced exceptional, statistically-significant reductions in nasal symptoms, compared to the participants in control groups. The results proved that acupuncture is a safe, effective therapy to relieve nasal symptoms resulting from allergies.
