01/09/19 Hayfever – Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
In Chinese Medicine Spring is associated with the wood element. It is considered a time a time of renewal, regrowth and regeneration which can be witnessed all around during Springtime. Grass is growing, flowers are blossoming and new life is born. For most, the sunshine elevates energy-levels and people are out and about with a spring in their step.
Unfortunately, in Gisborne, Kyneton and surrounding areas, this is not the case. Sadly, a large proportion of Victorians suffer from a debilitating affliction called ‘hay fever’.
Hay fever is the commonly-used term for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis which it is caused by airborne pollens such as grass, weeds or trees entering the nose, mouth or skin. In some, the body responds by producing antibodies through the white blood cells which leads to a hypersensitivity reaction. The most common immediate signs and symptoms are runny or itchy nose, sneezing and or itchy watery eyes.
Hay fever also causes obstructive reactions such as blocked nose or snoring. While colds tend to disappear within a few days, allergenic reactions tend to persist far longer. Conditions range from mild to severe. In severe cases it can cause fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, ongoing sinus infections and heightened asthma symptoms.
Weather has a huge influence on presenting symptoms. Pollen is dispersed by the wind, and extreme heat exacerbates respiratory conditions. During hot dry windy days, signs and symptoms of hay fever are more likely while the potential for inhalation of pollens on cold wet days is reduced as the pollens are washed to the ground. It is advisable for hay fever sufferers to consider the weather in advance and plan around it.
Regardless of the severity, anyone experiencing some or all of these hay fever symptoms, will greatly benefit treatment. However, treatment must be carefully tailored to individual constitution and symptoms.
In Chinese medicine we analyse all of the presenting symptoms, even those the patient may not think relevant. This is so we can tailor our treatment plan to not only work on the offending signs and symptoms, but also to strengthen the body to help fight future invasions of pollen. In most cases, acupuncture will be a core component of treatment. Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture can assist with symptom relief and improved quality of life1. Other possible treatments are gua sha, cupping and/or moxibustion. Chinese herbal medicine may also be prescribed for use at home.
The above treatments are provided or prescribed by a practiced registered Chinese Medical practitioner, but there are also a number of self-care options and techniques that can be put in place to help manage symptoms.
Track symptoms alongside environmental factors to understand triggers and practice avoidance of the stimulus as much as possible.
A few things to consider on high-pollen days:
• Wear wrap-around glasses to avoid pollen entering eyes
• Avoid drying clothes outside as the pollen attaches to clothing
• Wear a hat to prevent pollen entering the eyes
• If grass is a sensitivity, don’t mow laws
• Change clothes and wash after mowing the lawn or exposure to grass
• Keep windows and doors closed in the house can car
Although it is almost impossible to avoid triggers fully, reducing exposure can certainly assist with managing hay fever symptoms. For longer-term management, consult with a Chinese Medicine practitioner for an individually customised treatment plan.
References:
1 Acupuncture for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial
Xue, Charlie Changli et al. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 115, Issue 4, 317 – 324.e1
