Acupuncture for Hay fever

Acupuncture for hay fever is a natural and effective way to treat the symptoms of this seasonal allergy.

I had severe hay fever for many years and have relied on strong antihistamines which have no affect in the middle of hay fever season. After a season of treatments with Katy my symptoms have reduced to near zero. Katy has been amazing, so knowledgeable, takes time to understand the issues and is such a lovely person. Highly recommended.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when your immune system over-reacts to pollen in the air. It is characterised by sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, difficulty concentrating, headaches and tiredness. It can also trigger flare-ups with other conditions such as asthma and eczema.

The duration and the severity of the hay fever season vary depending on where in the UK you are and what the climate is doing. Hot, sunny, windy days can create a big pollen spread. Rain tends to dampen it all down. As we’re seeing the effects of climate change causing more extremes of temperate, and definitely more windy weather, we could see the hay fever season getting even longer.

Hay fever is a very common condition that affects 49% of people in the UK at some point their lives. As with many allergies those numbers are increasing.

What is the best treatment for hay fever?

Conventional treatment for hay fever aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Most people use anti-histamines throughout the pollen season. Some also use steroid nasal sprays. There are a number of different brands on the market and it can take a little trial and error to find the best one for you.

Acupuncture for hay fever

From a Chinese medicine perspective hay fever arises from a deficiency of defensive Qi which allows pathogens such as heat, wind and damp to take hold. Acupuncture is an effective way to clear these pathogens from the body and support the underlying deficiency. Treatment aims to restore balance rather than suppress symptoms.

Why choose acupuncture for hay fever?

• It alleviates symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It can also help regulate the body’s immune response and reduce inflammation.
• It can either be taken alongside antihistamines, or as a natural alternative to them, with no side-effects.
• Acupuncture treats the root cause of hay fever symptoms rather than just alleviating them temporarily. It addresses any underlying imbalance and promotes overall well-being.
• Treatments are tailored to each person’s unique constitution and symptom profile, taking into account factors such as the severity of symptoms, seasonal triggers, and underlying health conditions you might have.
• It can provide long-term as well as immediate relief of symptoms, With regular acupuncture sessions acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s immune response and enhance resilience to allergens over time.
• Unlike some pharmaceutical medications, acupuncture is associated with minimal side effects and is well-tolerated by most people, making it a suitable option for those seeking natural hay fever relief.

By reducing the impact of hay fever symptoms on daily functioning and overall well-being, acupuncture can enhance the quality of life for those of you affected by this condition. And as a bonus, you’ll probably experience improved sleep, increased energy levels, and better concentration as well.

How can you protect yourself from hay fever

Look after your gut health:

Our immune system is hugely dependent on our gut health and anything we can do to boost it will help. Regular eating patterns, low-processed and lots and lots of veggies will all help.You can also try a probiotic.

Try a herbal remedy:

• Nettle tea (naturally reduces histamine in the body)
• turmeric and ginger tea (these are anti-inflammatory)
• Liquorice and peppermint tea (for clearing mucous)
• Elderflower tincture (dries and tones the mucous membrane and a great immunity booster).

Take practical steps:

• Minimise the time you spend outside on high pollen count days
• Keep windows closed at night
• Protect your nose with Vaseline on your nostrils to prevents inhalation of pollen
• Wash your hands and face regularly with cool water

Have a question about acupuncture for hay fever? Then contact me or book in for a free 15-minute telephone consultation.