DAAN Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

It’s hay fever season again, and acupuncture has been shown to reduce the effects of allergy for many sufferers.

Dr. Marshall Sager in Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County practiced traditional medicine for years before becoming a certified acupuncturist. He said he’s seen great success treating allergies with the ancient technique.

“If you believe that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself what acupuncture does is enhance that ability,” said Dr. Sager.

But Dr. Edward Schulman, an allergist at Drexel University’s College of Medicine, said there is no proof acupuncture can help allergy symptoms. He doesn’t recommend it and said success is likely a placebo effect or people believing it works.

“There’s an important power of suggestion. People have this ability to recall what it was like to be well,” said Dr. Schulman.

Registered nurse and certified acupuncturist Cheryl Broad takes a slightly different approach. She uses what is called the “allergy elimination technique.” Using a metal rod she said she is able to test a person’s response to allergens. She said as the frequency is sent through the rod she tests the client’s muscle strength.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are emerging as alternative in treating allergies as more patients find them as effective options.

Allergy sufferers tend to know what works to relieve their symptoms. Traditionally that includes over-the-counter medications, topical drugs, nasal steroids, antihistamines or allergy shots.

Susan Guy, 52, of Brandon, used Sudafed and Zyrtec for her sinus headaches and watery eyes, but not anymore.

She now opts for an alternative – acupuncture.

“It’s the favorite part of my week,” says Guy. “It’s not painful. A pinch would be the best way to describe it.”

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists acupuncture as one of several alternative therapies. Others include herbal medicine, vitamin supplements, yoga and massage.

Dennis Holmes – the second nonphysician licensed to administer acupuncture in Mississippi since the law’s change last year – performs the technique on Guy weekly at the School of Therapeutic Massage. On April 20, he’s set to begin working at The Spa at St. Dominic Hospital.

During each session, about 30 needles cover Guy’s face, ears, arms, legs and feet at points on her body that Eastern medicine dictates would bring relief. She then lies on a table for about 20 minutes and experiences a calming effect.

“It’s really almost the same relaxation as a massage except it lasts longer,” says Guy, who’s been a nurse since 1999 and happens to be afraid of needles. “I never get sinus headaches anymore.” She also gets it to relieve stress and promote overall wellness.

“Acupuncture can do wonders, but if it’s long-term chronic (allergy), you want to think about including the herbs,” Holmes says. “Magnolia flower is the most commonly used herb to treat allergies.”