About Allergies: Acupuncture and Alternative Remedies for Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies More and more people are seeking alternative therapies as a solution for their allergies. Whether going to the acupuncturist, chiropractor, herbalist, or naturopath, it seems that just about everyone is trying to get away from traditional medicine for the care of chronic medical problems, especially allergies. But do these therapies really work for the treatment of allergies? Sure, a friend might tell you how much better they feel, but how much of this is the power of suggestion, versus a proven benefit? Share your story if you've found acupuncture or other alternative therapy to be helpful for the treatment of your allergies. Alternative Therapies for Allergies and Asthma In recent years, complementary-alternative medicine (CAM) has become very popular, with approximately half of the population either currently using or having used CAM on at least one occasion. The most common forms of CAM include acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines and yoga. This increased use of CAM seems to be based on distrust of conventional and scientific-based medicine, bad experiences with physicians, and/or belief that CAM is safe, natural and without side effects. Acupuncture for Allergies Acupuncture has also been claimed to influence the various activities of cells in the body, particularly via the transport, breakdown and clearance of "bioactive mediators." These actions, along with the claimed effect of inhibiting an over-active immune system, are thought to result in anti-inflammatory effects on the body. These anti-inflammatory effects are thought to decrease inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis. Eating Local Honey For Allergies It is a popular notion that eating honey is a natural remedy for symptoms of allergies and asthma. Honey contains various ingredients, including pollen allergens and components of honeybees. In fact, bee pollen -- available without a prescription and at most health food stores -- is also commonly marketed as a natural allergy remedy and an anti-inflammatory agent. If you've found that eating local honey is beneficial for your allergies, share your story today! Allergies Ads Natural Remedies Menopause Remedy Honey Cures Remedies for Snoring Home Remedies Featured Articles Allergy Basics Frequently Asked Questions Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More> Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement