Kelley, I haven't had acupuncture for many years, so don't know about that. But I do know that every Fall I start having an increase in stomach/GI tract symptoms. I've assumed it was due to seasonal allergy, but now I'm wondering if it's MCAS-related and from the weather turning colder.

I also have had thyroid issues, and have noticed hypothyroid symptoms sometimes cropping up when the temperature gets colder.

I second that!  Winter is a great time for me due to the lack of pollen... and I'm not easily triggered by cold.  Summer is the exact opposite  I've been able to (temporarily) reduce my medications a bit.

Heather

Hi Kelley,

I'm not sure if you've been checking the forum, but I wanted to comment on this subject.  I started getting acupuncture this spring and noticed results within a few weeks, so I have been going about once/week since then.  I started sleeping through the night again and having fewer reactions.  We recently moved (again) (hopefully the last time), and I didn't get acupuncture for about 5 weeks.  I started waking up at night with reactions and feeling worse in general.  I thought it was just from the stress of moving, but scheduled an appt to see what would happen. The day I got acupuncture was the first day I didn't have to take the Benadryl in a 4-week period.  I also slept without waking up in the middle of the night  So, I didn't go back the next week, and the same thing happened--increased reactions and poor sleep (I usually do really well in the summer too, so strange for me).  I went last week and slept well again and didn't need Benadryl before bed!  I really feel it is helping me.  I see a Chinese doctor who teaches acupuncture, and she is amazing.  I was nervous to try it, but I recommend it.  I asked them to start slow with few needles and shorter times.  My body didn't tolerate the full treatment right away, but working up to it worked well for me.  I can feel when I am done and when I need to go again now.  Just wanted to let you know Sarah

Hi Kelley,

I'm so glad to hear that! I gained the lost weight back too. Cold triggers me too, so I definitely did better this summer. I also added carrots back into my diet, not much else. Good luck to you!  --Sarah