Allergies are the body's immune system responding to a variety of relatively harmless substances but result in unfortunate symptoms that disrupt daily life. Allergic reactions can manifest in the form of coughing, wheezing and sneezing, itchy or dry eyes, or itching skin, and sometimes asthma. Combining acupuncture and herbal medicine is effective at treating allergy symptoms by getting to the root of the issue: a weakened immune system. Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, reduce nasal congestion, and stop itchy watery eyes or skin. Chinese medicine also addresses what we call external invasions. The symptoms of such look like cold, flu, or respiratory infections. Some studies show that frequent acupuncture treatments actually increase immunity, preventing distress in the first place.