Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen; it affects around 10-40% of the population worldwide, and can have a substantial impact on your health. Many people can be affected throughout the year.
The condition can affect several organ systems, and cause a number of symptoms.
Typical symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal itching, blockage and watery discharge
- Red, itchy and teary eyes
- Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
- Systemic symptoms such as; tiredness, fever, a pressure sensation in the head and itchiness.
These symptoms can be debilitating. Rhinitis is often regarded as a trivial problem but studies have shown that it severely affects people’s quality of life by disturbing sleep, impairing daytime concentration and the ability to carry out daily tasks.
20-47% of sufferers use some form of complementary therapy, with herbal remedies and acupuncture being the most common.
Here’s what patient CC of Hastings had to say about her acupuncture treatment for hay fever:
I had auricular acupuncture for hay fever, which I have suffered from for 9 years now. The treatments started over the winter before the season started. They were really relaxing and I looked forward to having them, even though my hay fever symptoms hadn’t started. Usually I start to get symptoms by March or April, but this year I felt nothing until mid-June, and my hay fever so far, seems to be much milder than usual. The acupuncture has really helped minimise the miserable irritation I get from the symptoms, and shorten the time I have to put up with it.
I believe that with more winter treatments of auricular acupuncture, my hay fever will be a thing of the past.
C.C, Hastings
Starting treatments early prepares the body for the season ahead. Regular treatments, particularly closer to the summer will enhance the overall result.
Acupuncture can also help with the symptoms of Perennial Rhinitis (persistent) which occurs throughout the year. Allergens commonly include house dust mites and domestic pets.
