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Remarkable effect!! -- Hay Fever Treated by Acupuncture and Herbs
* Acupuncture control the symptoms of hay fever immediately
* New researched herbal formula ease the allergy reaction right way
* Hay fever preventive care should be employed before allergy season
* Balancing the immune function is the main focus of treatment.
1. What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is characterized by an allergic response to pollen, dust mites, feathers, etc. There are two types of allergic rhinitis. One is seasonal which only occurs during the time when plants pollinate. The second is perennial which occurs throughout the year as a reaction to external environment. Some examples of such allergens include pillows, shower curtains, thick carpeting, pet hair or dander, paint, and particular clothing materials such as wool.
2. What are the causes of hay fever?
Hay fever is a result of an overreaction of the immune system against harmless pollens or other allergens. The system views these allergens as harmful elements and reacts, flooding the bloodstreams with histamines that inflame the nasal passages and sinuses, thus causing people to sneeze. These symptoms are actually a means of protection - either by forcefully expelling the allergen by sneezing or not allowing allergens to enter the body through the nose.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory the body’s overall health condition is directly related to the environment in which it lives. We naturally react with the atmosphere to protect ourselves from illnesses. A strong and balanced immune system can achieve balance between fighting against viruses and bacteria and not overreacting to harmless substances. In TCM this is referred to as “Qi energy balance”. When people spend all of their time in an artificially controlled environment with air-conditioning or heating and are rarely exposed to natural air and outdoor exercise, their bodies have difficulty adjusting to cold or warm weather influences, as well as exposure to dust, mold, fur, pollen. Their immune systems become too weak to recognize the “real enemy”- bacteria or viruses. They are either too sensitive or too weak to fit within their environment. This is the main cause of an allergic reaction. Patients who suffer from hay fever also frequently suffer from related conditions such as food allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and so forth.
3. What are the symptoms of hay fever that Chinese medicine can treat?
The main symptoms include violent sneezing, stuffiness, runny nose, itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. Other related symptoms include hives, itching around an insect bite, swelling, redness, atopic dermatitis, prolonged fatigue, and postnasal drip. Nasal secretions are usually colorless and thin. Colds are generally accompanied by fever or sore throat, lasting for at least 2 weeks.
4. How does acupuncture and herbs treat allergies and hay fever?
Over 3,000 years of Chinese medical history, TCM has developed a natural and effective therapy to treat allergies. Acupuncture therapy can balance the immune system and stimulate the body to release antihistamines to help alleviate symptoms. Also, it can control the body’s overreaction to harmless substances like pollen or dust. Herbal formulas taken orally can help reduce inflammation and swelling relieving symptoms of itchy eyes and ears as well as stuffy nose and sinus congestion. Through recent scientific research, these treatments have been shown to have effective anti-allergic function by means of balancing antibodies, improving T-cell condition, and adjusting the adrenal function.
5. How can people prevent hay fever?
Hay fever is most likely a genetic condition. However, one may be able to avoid symptoms by being aware of their body’s condition - especially those who suffer from eczema or asthma. Patients should lead a healthy and hygienic lifestyle which includes eating wholesome foods (avoiding shellfish and spicy foods), exercising exposed to fresh air, taking vitamins daily, and where possible, eliminating environmental pollutants and toxins. Significantly, tobacco smoke, perfume from chemically made fragrance, and caffeine are proven to contribute greatly to allergic symptoms. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a smoke-free environment.
6. Treatment Menu
When having an acute attack of hay fever, acupuncture should be performed once every two days for three consecutive sessions to control symptoms. Herbal teas and pills are recommended daily for a two-week period. Usually patient’s symptoms can be alleviated after the first visit. If hay fever is associated with an asthma attack, or infection of eye, ear, nose, and throat, the patient may need further visits to treat symptom complications.
When symptoms are under control, it is recommended that patients receive maintenance care once every week or every ten days during allergy season. The treatment will concentrate on balancing the immune system and prevent the recurrence of hay fever.
When a patient does not suffer from seasonal attacks, patients may suffer their own cyclical “season”. It is important to note when this occurs and report this information to your Acupuncturist. Ming Qi Natural Healthcare Center has a seasonal healthcare program, which includes hay fever prevention care. We will inform the patient one-month prior to the start of allergy season or their specific “season” to begin preventative treatment care. We also suggest that the patient undergo summer moxibustion to balance the immune system. Usually patients who have undertaken preventive care in a timely fashion can avoid allergic attacks in season. Please check our website for further detailed information (www.drmingqi.com - seasonal healthcare).
7. Hay Fever Care for Children
Since children may be adverse to acupuncture treatment, we have the option to employ acupressure. The treatment follows the same acupuncture meridians and points so it is comparable to the adult treatment. Children may be more easily convinced to ingest herbal teas when mixed with juice or other regular drinks. Herbal oils, lotions or aromatherapy may be added to the treatment plan to enhance the healing process.
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