Dr Stephanie Lipnicki, DACM, LAc

With allergy season upon us, I feel the need to share some tips and tools to help stay ahead of Mother Nature’s Tree Sperm.

Let me start by saying that I DO NOT judge my patients or any of you out there that need to rely on OTC allergy meds or even prescription meds. I have patients that have to use a combination of meds along with Acupuncture and herbs. Some patients need meds less once they have been getting regular Acupuncture treatments and others the meds only take the edge off and the Acupuncture compliments the medication allowing patients to live a life outside of their home when the weather gets nice.

You can absolutely use these tools and not be my patient - of course I would love for you to become one of my pin cushions but if you aren’t I still want you to use these tools.

I want you to enjoy the weather as it gets beautiful. And if you are already doing some of these things, fantastic. If not, I do hope they help you and you learn a new thing or two.

Sinus Flushes: You can do a saline sinus flush with a neti pot or Neilmed bottle. I prefer the Neilmed only because you can create a little bit of pressure and I feel there is more control in the saline solution going into your nose. And, as long as it doesn’t irritate your sinuses you can do it twice a day. Some physicians recommend 3-4 times a day, but I wouldn’t start with that. Your nose will run for a while after you do this, but it will help to rinse out pollen and irritants. Start at night before bedtime and then see if this improves your breathing, sinus pressure and starts to clear your head.

Timing When You Wash Your Hair: I have long hair. I have very dry hair. I experience allergies and I have to confess, I don’t do this as often as I should. I only wash my hair 2x a week (I have mermaid colored hair so any more than that and it would get washed out faster). BUT, I time my yard work. If I am working on weeding the garden or doing things outside at the office, I will wash my hair after I do the yardwork so that I am not aggravating my allergy symptoms. If your allergies are bad, washing your hair before bed is more helpful than the morning because that pollen will be on your pillow and then rub onto your face, and well you can guess how that will make things worse.

Wash your face before bed (and moisturize but that is more so that you can prevent aging): Washing off any pollen that might be on your face will help there be less irritation to your sinuses while you sleep.

Change Your Pillowcase: Listen I don’t judge anyone’s housekeeping skills. I think clean sheets contribute to skin health, your pillowcase even more so. During allergy season, change your pillowcase every 2-3 days. AND for hair health, make it a satin pillowcase - this has made my hair even healthier than ever.

Keep Your Windows Closed: If the pollen count is high where you live, minimally keep your bedroom windows closed. I prefer fresh air but if you see a greenish coating on your car - don’t open your windows all that pollen will go through the tiny holes in the window screens and impact your allergy symptoms.

Get a really good air purifier: I run an air purifier in my clinic treatment rooms. I started during using an air purifier during Covid and have continued to run one ever since. I use Germ Guardian. At home I think we have an Oreck air purifier. Either way, they are definitely helpful at keeping irritants down.

Evil Bone Water: IYKYK. Ok if you don’t know already, Evil Bone Water is the hot sauce of the Acupuncture world. It is the put that sh!t on everything topical. Good for bruises, cuts, burns, aches and pains, broken bones, bug bites, and preventing bug bites. BUT you can also use it by putting a tiny bit on a Qtip and rubbing the Qtip on the edge of your nostril where the laugh line starts at the nose. It will open things up. You can also put a little on your chest if your allergies make you feel like your breathing is impacted by your allergies.

Keep Your Sinuses Open by Massaging Your Face: The points pictured can help open up your sinuses when they are feeling tight and restricted. Just use your index finger and rub these points in circles.

Watch Your Sugar Intake: I feel like maybe I sound like a broken record. But honestly, too much sugar = lots of inflammation. Histamine reactions are inflammation. Inflammation + more inflammation = Absolute misery. My mentor always say if a food dissolves easily on your tongue - its ultimately sugar. Pretzels, chips - things you don’t think of as sugary snacks - they are usually high in carbs and not the good kind. Try eating a lot of greens, it will help counter the impacts of allergens.

Wear a Mask when Doing Yard Work: Those left over masks from the days of Covid - you can use those to help you keep irritants out of your system to lower irritation from pollen and other allergens.

GET ACUPUNCTURE: Ok I had to add it, come on - I am an Acupuncturist - my motto is everyone needs to be needled. And getting needled regularly will help you in the fight against Mother Nature’s Sperm.

If you have any questions about how Acupuncture can help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out! And I hope to see you on the treatment table!

TAKE ME TO THE SCHEDULE FOR AN ALLERGY TREATMNT