Otherwise known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, this scourge befalls
upwards of 10% of the population from May through to September.
Signs & Symptoms are: sneezing; stuffed or runny nose; itchy eyes,
throat or nose. In 20% of cases there is also asthma in conjunction with these symptoms.
What happens to your body?
As the pollen circulates, carried by warm air, small particles
known as allergens, settle on the inside of the nose (nasal epithelium),
where they meet with our body’s defense system (antibodies).
With the hay fever sufferer these incoming particles are wrongly identified and attacked, and that’s when all hell breaks loose .The body then produces histamine, which in turn produces all the symptoms of hay fever.
Western medicine has two main treatment strategies-antihistamines and nasal steroids, sometimes prescribed combined, Antihistamines have many side effects such as sedation, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness and digestive disturbances. Failure to respond to antihistamine is due to active substances other than histamine being released in allergic states. Nasal steroids sprayed into the nose don’t have the same side effects as oral steroids but many people are wary and experience worsening of symptoms on cessation (known as bounce-back)
The Chinese perspective is to look at imbalances in the body’s ever-changing state. Hay Fever is classed as an internal disease - a weakening of the constitution.
Yin & Yang energies may allow external pathogens to enter the lungs where they settle blocking the normal flow of energy (Qi) and blood. This blockage is known as stagnation, and if unchecked will turn to heat causing the signs and symptoms we know as hay fever.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments
The treatment strategy is to clear heat, move qi & blood in the nose and tonify underlying deficiencies. This is achieved by using a wide range of herbal remedies and acupuncture. The herbs come in an easy to take pill form, or as a dried herb prescription which are decocted, or powdered and encapsulated. All formulas, whether herbs or acupuncture, are individually tailored. The best treatment outcome comes from a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine