Acupuncture for Hay Fever
February 9th, 2009
Acupuncture for Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, often causes sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, and other symptoms typically associated with the common cold. Pet dander, tree pollen, grasses, weeds, spores, dust mites, and other indoor and outdoor allergens are responsible for hay fever. While some individuals experience hay fever seasonally, others may have hay fever year-round.
Additional hay fever symptoms may include cough, fatigue, sleeplessness, itchy nose and throat, and watery or itchy eyes. Treatment for hay fever can reduce symptoms but cannot cure the allergic condition.
Antihistamines, oral steroids, decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, allergy injections, and bronchodilator inhalers can help to relieve hay fever symptoms but often have adverse side effects. These effects may range from a mildly unpleasant smell or nose irritation and rebound congestion to more serious side effects such as muscle weakness, cataracts and osteoporosis.
However, these medications do not address the root imbalance of the allergic condition. Acupuncture can effectively treat the underlying imbalance that is the root cause of the allergies.
A combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine formulas can aid in unblocking and strengthening the qi, or vital energy. Strengthening the qi can assist the body in combating pollen, viruses, bacteria and other allergens and pathogens.
Acupuncture can alleviate and shorten the duration and intensity of hay fever symptoms such as poor sleep, itchy eyes and runny nose. A safe and effective treatment option for individuals experiencing hay fever, acupuncture also strengthens immune system activity.
Energy levels can also be raised with acupuncture, combating the fatigue often associated with hay fever. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, restores biochemical balance and regulates the body’s antigen-antibody reactions, which can relieve hay fever.
While there is no cure for hay fever, allergic symptoms can be prevented by avoiding the things that trigger allergic reactions. Individuals experiencing hay fever should also reduce dietary intake of refined sugar, caffeine, dairy products, and fatty foods, which can reduce allergic symptoms.
Acupuncture can achieve often lasting results, relieving the itching, discharge and nasal congestion within the first few treatments. A series of maintenance treatments each year before the start of hay fever season is recommended.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of hay fever call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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