Spring Allergies or Cold? Why You’re Sick & Acupuncture Helps

As the seasons change—especially from winter’s chill to spring— many of us get stuck in a cycle of seasonal congestion, sneezing, spring fatigue, or frequent colds. It might be a sudden temperature swing and an ill-timed spring fashion choice, nasal congestion due to the spring allergies, or just plain burnout. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: we feel unwell when we’d rather be enjoying the fresh air, sunny days, and blooming of plants and trees.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies or a spring cold—and tired of relying on medications that only offer short-term relief—keep reading to learn how acupuncture can help.

What’s Actually Going On?

Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Your immune system overreacts to harmless particles like pollen, dust, or mold, releasing histamines that trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms, including:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Fatigue or brain fog

Most people turn to antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl for allergy relief. These can help initially but often stop working over time, cause drowsiness, or dry out your sinuses, leaving you searching for better seasonal allergy treatments.

Colds

Unlike allergies, colds are caused by viruses. There's no cure, and antibiotics won’t help. Symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat

  • Mucus congestion

  • Mild fever or chills

  • Body aches and exhaustion

You may take decongestants, cough suppressants, or pain relievers, but these just mask symptoms—and once they wear off, you're back to square one.

Feeling Medicated but Not Better?

You're not alone. Many people feel like they’re just managing symptoms with a rotating cabinet of pills—antihistamines, nasal sprays, cough meds—only to find they stop working or bring unwanted side effects.

If you’re tired of this cycle, acupuncture can be your natural relief for allergies and colds.

How Acupuncture Helps with Seasonal Allergies and Colds

Acupuncture doesn't just treat the symptoms—it targets the underlying imbalances that weaken your immune response and increase your sensitivity to allergens or viruses.

Here’s how acupuncture for allergies and colds works:

1. Strengthens the Immune System

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate white blood cells, boost antibody production, and reduce inflammation—helping your body fight off viruses and allergens more effectively. This makes it a great tool for immune support in spring.

2. Reduces Histamine Reactions

By calming the immune system’s overreaction, acupuncture can reduce histamine levels, helping to naturally ease sneezing, itching, and congestion without medication —a game-changer for natural allergy relief.

3. Supports the Respiratory System

Acupuncture opens up the sinuses, improves breathing, and drains excess mucus, offering respiratory relief for both allergies and colds.

4. Balances the Nervous System

Stress and fatigue can weaken immune defenses. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-heal) response, helping your body recover and stay resilient during seasonal changes.

5. Improves Energy and Sleep

Many patients report that acupuncture relieves fatigue, helps them sleep better, and clears brain fog—something allergy meds or cold remedies can’t match, making it ideal for spring fatigue relief.

A Better Option for People Tired of Medication

If you feel like you’re chasing relief with pills that either stop working or leave you drowsy and dry—acupuncture offers a drug-free, whole-body approach that treats the root cause of your symptoms. It also works preventively too. Seasonal acupuncture sessions can help strengthen your immune defenses before symptoms even start. Acupuncture works slower than pills, focusing on long-term balance rather than treating symptoms and being a quick fix band-aid. To complement your sessions and strengthen your immune defenses, custom herbal medicine can be prescribed.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re dealing with spring colds, seasonal allergies, or just feeling run down from unpredictable weather, acupuncture can help you feel more balanced, clear, and energized—without relying solely on meds.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Let’s strengthen your immune system, calm your symptoms, and help you enjoy the season without the sniffles.
Book your seasonal acupuncture session today.

Agnes Mlynarska

Founder of ArTeva Acupuncture in New York City, Agnes is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist. ArTeva Acupuncture is medical acupuncture clinic specializing in modern, research-based acupuncture techniques.

https://www.artevaacupuncture.com/
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