Hay Fever? Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Can Help!

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate these symptoms, some people prefer to seek more natural treatment options. Recently, acupuncture has been gaining popularity as a natural and quick relieving hay fever treatment.

Causes of Hayfever 

Hayfever is caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment - typical pollen from plants or trees. These reactions release histamine and other chemicals leading to the characteristic symptoms of hay fever. When these substances come into contact with the lining of the nose or throat, they trigger an immune response.

While many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate these symptoms, some prefer to seek more natural hay fever treatment options. Recently, acupuncture has been gaining popularity as a natural and quick relieving hay fever treatment.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that energy pathways known as meridians run through the body. This energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee"), flows along these meridians and is responsible for maintaining our health. When the flow of qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to illness.

Acupuncture is a form of TCM that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific body points. This is said to unblock or re-balance the flow of qi, thus restoring health and relieving symptoms. Research has shown that acupuncture can effectively treat various conditions, including back pain, headaches, and nausea. More recently, studies have shown that acupuncture may help relieve hay fever symptoms like stuffy and runny nose, sneezing and headaches.

How does acupuncture help with hay fever relief?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has helped to treat various allergic conditions. One of the most well-known acupuncture hay fever treatments is the Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET). This therapy combines acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to help relieve hay fever symptoms. NAET is based on the belief that an allergen causes a reaction to pollen and that the symptoms can be eliminated by treating the acupuncture points associated with the allergy.

A course of NAET hay fever treatment typically consists of 12-15 sessions, and most people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after completing the course. Acupuncture can be an effective way to treat hay fever, and it may provide relief from other allergic conditions as well.

How did the clinical studies find acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help hay fever?

A 2017 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that acupuncture effectively reduced the severity of allergic symptoms in a group of patients who had not responded well to other forms of hay fever treatment. Patients in the study were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or fake (sham) acupuncture. The results showed that those who received real acupuncture had significantly lower scores on a standardized hay fever symptom scale than those who received sham acupuncture. 

A 2018 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reached similar conclusions. This study looked at a group of adults with mild-to-moderate hay fever who were not responding well to medication. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or fake (sham) acupuncture once per week for eight weeks. The results showed that those who received real acupuncture had significantly lower scores on a standardized allergic rhinitis symptom scale than those who received sham acupuncture. 

Conclusion 

Consider trying acupuncture if you're looking for a natural way to relieve your hay fever symptoms. Studies have shown that it can be an effective hay fever treatment option for many people. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment regimen.