Acupuncture & TCM for Allergies

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Allergies and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Allergies are a common health issue that affect millions of people worldwide, presenting a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods. Common allergic conditions include seasonal allergies (hay fever), allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, and food allergies. The symptoms, which range from sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes to more severe reactions like shortness of breath and skin rashes, can vary in intensity and duration. While conventional treatments like antihistamines and decongestants can provide relief, they may not address the root cause of the problem and can come with unwanted side effects. Acupuncture, a holistic therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and effective approach to managing allergy symptoms and promoting overall immune health.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Women’s Health during all stages of conception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery is our specialty here at Wellspring Health.

It takes a village to raise a child, but before that, it takes a team to make a baby. You can’t do it alone and we at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Reproductive Endocrinologists & Gynecologist Support During Fertility & Pregnancy: We enjoy collaborating with physicians and have extensive experience working with a large network of specialists in Manhattan. We can provide recommendations and referrals for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey.

Doula Support: We frequently work with doulas throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, providing integrated care and support to enhance the birthing experience.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Allergies

  1. Chronic Symptoms and Discomfort: People with allergies often experience chronic symptoms that interfere with daily activities. For those with seasonal allergies, exposure to allergens like pollen can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and throat irritation for weeks or even months. Similarly, individuals with asthma may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest tightness when exposed to certain triggers. This persistent discomfort can be exhausting and disrupt work, sleep, and overall well-being.

  2. Impact on Sleep Quality: Allergic symptoms can significantly disrupt sleep quality. Nasal congestion and postnasal drip often worsen at night, making it difficult to breathe comfortably while lying down. Itchy skin or eyes can also cause sleep disturbances, leading to poor rest and fatigue during the day. Lack of quality sleep can exacerbate allergy symptoms, weaken the immune system, and increase irritability and stress levels.

  3. Sensitivity to Environmental Triggers: People with allergies are often highly sensitive to environmental triggers, making it challenging to avoid flare-ups. Common allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander can be difficult to control, especially during certain seasons or in specific environments. This constant vigilance and need to avoid triggers can cause stress and anxiety, further impacting quality of life.

  4. Side Effects of Conventional Treatments: While conventional treatments like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can provide symptom relief, they often come with side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Over time, some individuals may develop tolerance to these medications, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, these treatments may not address the root cause of allergies and primarily focus on symptom management.

  5. Emotional and Psychological Impact: The ongoing discomfort and restrictions imposed by allergies can lead to emotional and psychological distress. People with allergies may feel frustrated, isolated, or anxious about potential exposure to allergens. This emotional burden can further weaken the immune system and contribute to the frequency and severity of allergic reactions.

  6. Weakened Immune Function: Allergies are essentially a result of an overactive immune response. This hyperactivity of the immune system can make it more susceptible to other infections or conditions. The immune system’s constant state of alertness can also lead to chronic inflammation, which can exacerbate other health issues.

From Our Fertility Clients

"I worked with Kirsten over the course of a couple of years and found her to be incredibly talented, knowledgeable and kind.  Her office space has the same feeling of warmth and serenity that Kirsten herself embodies.  She has a lot of experience working with women through various stages of their fertility journeys, and I think my time with her contributed to a successful IVF cycle and pregnancy."

-Emily H.

"Thanks to Kirsten's care, my fertility treatment was stress-free and went successful. The office is very conveniently located right off Union Square, but the setting is very tranquil and clean. Scheduling was easy and the office was quick to respond to my calls. Overall, highly recommend!"

-Tomo O.

“My Wife and I came here for fertility-related treatments. It was a 5 star experience! The clinic was spotless and the Kirsten is knowledgeable. We were delighted with the results and we would definitely recommend this clinic to others.”

-Travis W.

“I have been a patient of Kirsten's for four years and have nothing but wonderful things to say, and attribute to her and her practice. Not only has Kirsten helped combat the occasional headache or cold, but she has also helped me bring two healthy beautiful children into this world via fertility treatments, and labor preparation. Kirsten is attentive, calming, kind, and knowledgeable. She has also given many tips for my children when they've had colds, car sickness, etc. that we swear by! I have recommended Kirsten to countless friends + family members. This is the place to go for acupuncture treatments.”

- Raffkin B.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Allergies

Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive therapy that can help manage allergy symptoms by addressing both the root cause and the resulting symptoms. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, reduce inflammation, and promote balance within the body. Here’s how acupuncture can benefit individuals suffering from allergies:

  1. Regulates the Immune System: Acupuncture helps modulate the immune response by restoring balance to the body’s energy (Qi). It can reduce the overactive immune response that causes allergic reactions, helping the body distinguish between harmless substances and real threats. This can decrease the frequency and severity of allergic symptoms and improve overall immune function.

  2. Reduces Inflammation and Alleviates Symptoms: Acupuncture promotes the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body, which helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, airways, and skin. This can alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and skin rashes. Acupuncture also increases circulation, which supports the body’s natural healing processes and reduces swelling.

  3. Improves Respiratory Function: Acupuncture can help open up the nasal passages, reduce mucus production, and improve airflow. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma, as it helps them breathe more easily and reduces the risk of respiratory complications. Acupuncture can also strengthen lung function, making it easier to cope with allergens in the environment.

  4. Supports Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-Being: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate allergic reactions. Acupuncture helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. By calming the mind and body, acupuncture can help reduce the impact of stress on the immune system, leading to fewer allergic flare-ups and better overall well-being.

  5. Enhances Overall Health and Vitality: Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying imbalances that contribute to allergies. By promoting the flow of Qi and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, acupuncture helps enhance overall health, prevent future allergic reactions, and improve energy levels and vitality.

  6. Provides a Safe, Drug-Free Alternative: Acupuncture offers a natural and effective alternative to conventional allergy treatments without the risk of medication side effects. It can be safely used in conjunction with other therapies and is suitable for individuals of all ages.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum We Treat With TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to supporting women’s health through all stages of fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting harmony between the physical and emotional aspects of health, TCM can enhance reproductive health, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in postpartum healing. With its long history and integrative methods, TCM continues to be a valuable option for women seeking a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness and maternal care.

  • Female Infertility: Improving ovarian function and egg quality, balancing hormones, supporting Uterine Health, blood flow, nervous system, emotional support, and stress management.

  • Stress Management, Nervous System Supports & Pregnancy: Regulate stress response, stimulate endorphins, balance cortisol, sleep, muscle tension, pain relief, emotional support, a place to relax, let go and get some care.

  • IVF/IUI: Support pre- and post-embryo transfer, reducing IVF-related stress and anxiety, and managing hormonal fluctuations during IUI/IVF.

  • Egg Freezing: Optimizing ovarian reserve, preparing the body for egg retrieval, managing side effects of hormonal stimulation, and post-egg retrieval recovery.

  • Pain & Pregnancy: Relieving back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic and joint pain.

  • Labor Prep, Delivery & Induction: Promote cervical ripening and softening, supporting natural and assisted labor induction, pain relief, and breech babies.

  • Prenatal & Trimester Support: Nausea and fatigue, fetal development support, breech presentation and positioning, insomnia and stress.

  • Post Partaum: Emotional supports balancing hormones, stress response, lactation support, activating parasympathetic nervous system to encourage relaxation.

  • Lactation: Enhancing milk supply and flow, addressing blocked milk ducts and mastitis, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving milk quality.

  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Strengthening uterine health, immunological factors, managing stress and anxiety.

  • Male Infertility: Improving sperm quality and motility, varicocele, hormone, and libido imbalance.

Parting Thoughts:


Allergies present a wide range of challenges that can significantly impact quality of life. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management but may not address the underlying causes or prevent future flare-ups. Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to allergy management by regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture can provide lasting relief from allergy symptoms, promote balance, and enhance quality of life for individuals struggling with allergies.

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