Acupuncture can be highly effective in cases of nasal congestion so common in allergy presentations; so much so that I often treat such issues using acupuncture protocols alone. In cases of seasonal allergies with highly predictable causes such as obvious elevations of environmental allergens, I use a skeleton acupuncture prescription that can easily be fleshed out to target potential underlying patterns and effectively customized to the patient.
On Point
Craig Williams, LAc, AHG
Craig Williams studied Chinese medicine and Western herbs with Michael Tierra before pursing a master's degree in Oriental medicine. He studied at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in New Mexico. While there, he also studied TCM diagnosis privately with Ping Chen, author of a well-known book on diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to his studies in traditional Chinese medicine, he studied ayurveda with Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico.
Mr. Williams finished his master's degree at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and undertook a private tutorial in ayurveda with Dr. David Frawley shortly thereafter. He currently operates a private practice in Austin, Texas, specializing in gynecology. He also serves as a clinic supervisor at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. Craig is a certified East West Herbalist and is an approved tutor for students at the East West School of Herbology.
To read articles from Planetary Herbalism, Craig's other Acupuncture Today column, click here.