A holistic approach to allergies may be benefical

If you suffer from allergies you know all too well how irritating they can be.

Some people seek allergy relief with acupuncture. Health experts claim however that acupuncture may only be helpful in the treatment of certain types of allergies.

Studies of been conducted where mice treated with acupuncture provided similar results to those treated with corticosteroids. One trial in particular found a significant decrease in allergy symptoms following acupuncture treatment.

In the future, more trials in a controlled environment with even larger numbers of subjects may help to determine conclusively whether allergies can be successfully treated with acupuncture therapy.

Provocation-neutralization is another controversial method of both allergy testing and treatment. This kind of treatment consists of injecting minute dilutions of foods, inhalants, or chemicals into the lower layers of the skin. (Please note that this approach is not the same as traditional desensitization injections given by medical allergy specialists.)

Another allergy treatment uses extracts of allergens. This method is also controversial and is taken orally. It is advocated by many alternative healthcare practitioners.

Your allergy specialist is best to determine whether acupuncture or either controversial method would be right for your particular kind of allergy.