Breathe Easy: Conquering Spring Allergies Naturally with NAET and Acupuncture in Asheville
- Michael Johnson L.Ac

- Apr 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Spring brings a burst of color and life to the mountains of Western North Carolina, but for many Asheville residents, it also heralds the onset of seasonal allergies. As pollen from oak, pine, and birch trees fills the air, symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and congestion can turn sunny days into a sneeze-filled struggle.
While antihistamines offer relief for some, their side effects often leave sufferers feeling tired, foggy, and disconnected. Many people find themselves caught in a cycle of managing symptoms without ever addressing the root cause of their allergies.
But what if there were a natural solution to conquer allergies without the grogginess, dependency, or side effects?
Understanding Allergies: More Than Just Symptoms
Allergies are fundamentally the result of the body's hypersensitive response to otherwise harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, dust, or certain foods. When your immune system encounters these triggers, it overreacts—treating them as dangerous invaders rather than benign particles. This immune response triggers the release of histamines, leading to symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe respiratory issues.
Traditional allergy treatments typically focus on suppressing these symptoms with medications like antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids. While these can provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying immune imbalance that causes your body to react in the first place.
The Natural Approach: Acupuncture for Allergy Relief
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine practiced for thousands of years, has demonstrated significant efficacy in managing seasonal allergies. Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that acupuncture reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms and improved quality of life in participants compared to sham acupuncture or no treatment.
How Acupuncture Helps with Allergies
Acupuncture works by:
Regulating immune system function to reduce hypersensitivity
Decreasing inflammation in nasal passages and sinuses
Balancing the body's histamine response
Improving circulation and reducing congestion
Strengthening overall immune resilience
Many patients experience relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure after just a few acupuncture sessions.
NAET: A Revolutionary Approach to Allergy Elimination
Beyond traditional acupuncture lies NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques), a holistic approach that is gaining attention for effectively alleviating—and in many cases, eliminating—allergies altogether. This innovative therapy offers hope for those weary of the annual struggle with seasonal allergies, which can be particularly severe in Western North Carolina where pollen counts regularly reach extreme levels.
What Makes NAET Different?
NAET is a unique approach that combines principles from both Eastern and Western medicine. Rather than simply managing symptoms or avoiding allergens, NAET works by desensitizing the body to allergens through a series of non-invasive, drug-free treatments.
The technique uses:
Applied kinesiology (muscle testing) to identify specific allergen sensitivities
Acupressure and acupuncture to stimulate nerve bundles along the spine
Energy balancing techniques to retrain the body's response to allergens
Systematic desensitization to gradually reduce or eliminate allergic reactions
Through 10-15 sessions, NAET aims to reduce or even eliminate the body's reaction to allergens, providing long-lasting relief without the side effects of traditional medications. Many patients report dramatic improvements in their quality of life, finally able to enjoy spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains without constant discomfort.
Why Asheville Residents Need Effective Allergy Treatment
Living in Western North Carolina means dealing with one of the longest and most intense allergy seasons in the country. The region's diverse tree species, coupled with warm temperatures and high humidity, create ideal conditions for pollen production. Oak, pine, birch, cedar, and maple trees all contribute to the "pollen apocalypse" that locals have come to dread each spring.
For many Asheville residents, allergies aren't just a minor inconvenience—they significantly impact daily life, affecting:
Sleep quality and energy levels
Work productivity and focus
Outdoor activities and exercise
Overall quality of life and well-being
Natural allergy solutions like NAET and acupuncture offer a path forward that doesn't involve lifelong medication dependency or avoiding the beautiful outdoors.
Expert Allergy Treatment in Asheville
Michael Johnson, L.Ac., an experienced acupuncturist and certified NAET practitioner at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, offers hope to allergy sufferers throughout the Asheville area. With advanced training in both Basic and Advanced NAET techniques and over 16 years of experience as a licensed acupuncturist, Michael specializes in helping patients conquer allergies naturally.
His gentle Japanese acupuncture approach makes treatment comfortable even for those new to acupuncture, and his extensive NAET training allows him to address even complex, multi-allergen sensitivities.
Take the First Step Toward Allergy Freedom
If you're tired of battling allergies every spring—or year-round—it might be time to explore the natural solutions offered by NAET and acupuncture. Don't let allergies dictate your ability to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all that Asheville has to offer.
Ready to breathe easy again? Schedule a consultation with Michael Johnson, L.Ac., at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness to discuss your symptoms and embark on a journey toward lasting allergy relief.
📞 Call us at (828) 575-5904
📍 261 Asheland Ave, Unit 102, Asheville, NC 28801
About the Author
Michael Johnson, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist with over 16 years of experience and advanced certifications in NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques). As a provider at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness in Asheville, NC, he specializes in helping patients find natural relief from seasonal and chronic allergies using gentle Japanese acupuncture and innovative NAET protocols. Michael graduated with honors from Bastyr University and is dedicated to helping people reclaim their health without medication dependency. Schedule an appointment or visit southslopeacupuncture.com to learn more.
Disclaimer:This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.
Reference:Xue, C. C., Dong, L., Polus, B., & Thien, F. (2006). Effect of acupuncture in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 117(2), 474–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2005.10.044




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