Acupuncture for Cat Allergies
Allergy sufferers are starting to seek out acupuncture treatment to alleviate their symptoms. The World Health Organization advocates the effectiveness of acupuncture for allergies through the analysis of positive outcomes of numerous controlled medical studies. With the proper western and eastern diagnosis and acupuncture treatment, you can receive relief from cat allergies.
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Diagnosis of Cat Allergies
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If experiencing coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and/or skin reactions around a household cat, make an appointment with a physician or allergist. A radioallergosorbent (RAST) test, a simple skin or blood test, can be performed to determine the cause of the allergy. Contrary to popular belief, there are no non-allergenic pets, as symptoms can be caused by even hairless animals. Symptoms vary from person to person and parents should watch their children's reactions.
Find an Acupuncturist
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After being diagnosed with an allergy to cats or pet dander, use reliable sources to locate a local licensed acupuncturist. Acufinder.com and Acupages.com are helpful online directories that can assist in a local search for acupuncturists specializing in allergies. Research the acupuncturist's website, look at feedback or testimonials for that practitioner and then call to make an appointment.
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Explain Symptoms to the Acupuncturist
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the term "allergy" does not exist. Allergy symptoms should be explained to the acupuncturist, who can determine an Eastern diagnosis, i.e. lung qi deficiency or heat accumulation in the lung channels, and develop the best treatment plan. An acupuncturist will usually require an intake form and ask additional questions to determine the nature of the symptoms.
Acupuncture Treatment
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After an acupuncturist determines the best treatment plan, acupuncture needles will be inserted in points along energetic pathways in the body by the licensed practitioner. The individual acupuncture points will be chosen based on the Eastern diagnosis. The acupuncturist will use single-use, sterile needles to facilitate the movement of energy or qi throughout the body. Depending on the practitioner, a treatment can last from 20 minutes to an hour.
Follow-Up and Home Care
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The acupuncturist may require more visits in order to increase or maintain the efficacy of the initial treatment. If there is a cat in the home, you should create an allergy-free zone, use air filters and clean the pet weekly if possible. If there is not a cat in the home, you should take precautions when visiting those with cats. You should always wash hands and lint-roll any cat hair or dander from clothes and/or furniture.
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References
- Photo Credit Needles in Stomach During Acupuncture Appointment image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
