Acupuncture – Allergy

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, one of the oldest forms of treatment in the world, is used as an alternative to conventional medicine in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions. It is a traditional Chinese treatment in which thin needles are inserted through the skin into underlying tissue at precise locations to help relieve pain and treat certain conditions.

Acupuncture can be used to treat various medical problems, including:

  • Postoperative pain
  • Headaches
  • Orthopedic conditions (such as neck and back pain)
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sinusitis and asthma
  • Gastritis
  • Nausea and vomiting

Acupuncture is often combined with more conventional treatments, such as prescription drugs, to maximize results.

During acupuncture treatment, sterile single-use needles are inserted, depending on the patient’s symptoms, into the skin at targeted areas and at certain depths. Patients may experience an aching sensation when the needles reach the desired depth. Needles are usually kept in place for 5 to 20 minutes. In some cases, electroacupuncture, in which electrical current passes through pairs of needles, is used. Patients may be treated weekly or biweekly, and average 12 treatment sessions.

Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed professional; improper needle insertion can cause pain and other side effects. Some patients may experience soreness, bleeding and bruising at the site of the insertion, but these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should not undergo acupuncture.

Caduceus does not currently offer this service on-site, however you can consult directly with your primary care provider at your next visit or send a message through the patient portal to get a referral to an acupuncturist in your area.  If you do not have an active patient portal account contact us and we can send you a link to register!

Allergy

Allergists focus on diagnosing and treating allergies and diseases of the immune system. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic eye diseases, atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), chronic cough, chronic sinus infections, frequent colds/bronchitis and immune problems. Allergists also see patients with food allergy, medication allergy, bee sting (venom) allergy and latex allergy.

When should I see an allergist/immunologist?

The following is a list of reasons which may warrant an evaluation by an allergist:

  • Asthma that causes frequent symptoms, affects school/work/sleep/exercise, or leads to frequent doctor or emergency room visits
  • Any asthma attack that has led to being hospitalized
  • Frequent allergic rhinitis symptoms that affect a person’s lifestyle or lead to recurrent sinus infections
  • Frequent or recurrent skin rashes, especially those that itch or may be related to allergies
  • Any food allergy, mild or severe
  • Any severe reaction to a bee sting, ant bite or sting, or mosquito bite
  • Hives or swelling
  • Adults or children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
  • The desire to reduce the need for medications and improve and possibly cure allergic rhinitis and asthma through treatment with allergy shots

Caduceus does not currently offer this service on-site, however you can consult directly with your primary care provider at your next visit or send a message through the patient portal to get a referral to an allergist in your area.  If you do not have an active patient portal account contact us and we can send you a link to register!

Leave a Comment