Acupuncture for Hay Fever
June 16th, 2009
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is the most common allergic disease. About 35 million individuals suffer from this condition. The ailment’s symptoms include an inflamed, runny nose, watery nasal discharge and sneezing and itching that can affect not just the nose but the roof of the mouth, throat and the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
Hay fever typically results from genetic predisposition to allergic disease and exposure to allergens. Allergens are substances (pollens and spores) that cause an allergic reaction.
The most common treatment for hay fever is to reduce exposure to the allergens causing the allergic response. Conventional therapies for severe hay fever symptoms may recommend nasal corticosteroids, immunotherapy (allergy shots), antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, and over-the-counter decongestants.
Evidence indicates that acupuncture can be a useful complementary or alternative therapy option for individuals experiencing hay fever. In one recent study, acupuncture produced results as effective as antihistamines in improving symptoms; acupuncture also was proven to have beneficial effects that lasted for a longer period than antihistamines. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine formulas were also shown to reduce symptom discomfort.
While conventional medications for hay fever may offer symptom relief, they do not cure at the root of the condition. Many allopathic drugs cause adverse side effects, such as nervousness, gastrointestinal conditions, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can naturally and safely strengthen wei qi, the body’s defensive energy that combats pathogens such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. When combined, acupuncture and herbal formulas can often help hay fever sufferers throughout the allergy season.
Your acupuncture physician will select particular acupoints during therapy which reestablish the flow of qi. Acupoints selected may address the greatest symptom discomfort. Acupuncture for hay fever opens congested areas, allowing the qi to flow more freely. Energetic blocks which may be contributing to the congestion can be dissolved with acupuncture.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat the underlying nature of the individual’s condition and the fundamental cause of the allergic reaction rather than alleviating symptoms only. Depleted or imbalanced qi may be the cause of the hay fever. Acupuncture strengthens and rebalances the qi.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of hay fever call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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