Hay fever
Hay fever, otherwise known as a ’seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common condition affecting 15-20% of the UK population annually. It often occurs in association with asthma and/or eczema. It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, which is seen by the body’s immune system as a foreign body, causing an inflammatory reaction. When this occurs in the upper respiratory system, it triggers symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, itchy, red and watery eyes and sneezing. When severe it causes misery, sometimes for months on end. People who are allergic to house dust mites or animal hair are said to have perennial allergic rhinitis, with symptoms all year round. Acupuncture and Nutritional Therapy have much to offer in the treatment of hay fever, as in the treatment of asthma and eczema. All these conditions are the results of an over-activity of the immune system, and one of the great strength of these therapies is in the regulation of the immune system.
Recent studies have shown Chinese Medicine for instance to be effective in treating these kind of conditions (Allergy 2004; 59(9): 953-960 & Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2003; 9(5): 80-7).
Although changes may occur fairly quickly, you may need to continue for a few months in order to get the full benefit. It is a good idea to start the treatment before the hay fever season in order to benefit fully (ie starting treatment in April for a seasonal hay fever beginning in June).
