Do you experience hay fever?

While spring brings many enchanting landscapes and fragrances, for some of us it can be a frustrating time of the year. Aeroallergens, such as tree pollen or grass seed pollen are responsible for allergic reactions like hay fever.

It is estimated that 20% of the Australian population suffers from hay fever. In Melbourne, the London plane trees, the elm tree and grass seed pollen have some of the highest pollen emissions.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for seasonal and persistent allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a reactive response of the immune system to common allergens including dust, trees, pollen, grass and others.
This is a two-phase response. The early phase is within minutes of exposure to the allergen due to histamine release.
The later phase, delayed by several hours, is triggered by other inflammatory mediators that perpetuate the inflammatory response.

Common symptoms are sneezing, nasal and throat itchiness, nasal congestion and a runny nose.
Headaches, eye irritation and emotional irritability are associated symptoms that might affect the quality of life for those who suffer allergic rhinitis.

Acupuncture can induce an anti-inflammatory effect, relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms.
From a Chinese Medicine approach, we address the Immune and Digestive systems by strengthening the Lungs, Stomach/Spleen and Kidneys.

It is recommended to start with acupuncture treatments before the season starts for prevention, but treatments during the season can assist with flare-ups.

In TCM, spring is associated with the Wood element, which corresponds to the Liver and Gallbladder systems. So, other pathologies that can be triggered or aggravated during this season, are particularly conditions related to Liver Qi stagnation and Liver Yang rising, such as headaches and migraines, irritability, emotional tension, dizziness, eye symptoms, allergies, muscle and tendon discomfort, and digestive disturbances.

A combination of acupuncture, herbs and other TCM techniques may be used to create a treatment plan specific to your needs.