With a seasonal transition just around the corner, it’s that time of year again, when calls come in B&Q Acupuncture clinic requesting acupuncture help with hay fever and sinusitis.
Hay fever is the common name for a condition called allergic rhinitis, which means an allergy that affects the nose. Hay fever is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens, such as pollens, dust mite, moulds and animal hair.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- sneezing
- a runny or stuffy nose
- itchy ears, nose and throat
- red, itchy or watery eyes
- headaches
Can Acupuncture Help With Hay fever and Sinus Congestion?
Clinical practice guidelines for allergic rhinitis published by the Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery Foundation in 2015 included acupuncture as Option five: Clinicians may offer acupuncture, or refer to a clinician who can offer acupuncture, for patients with Allergic Rhinitis who are interested in non-pharmacological therapy (Aggregate evidence quality – Grade B).
Understanding the basis of allergy is essential for the rational design of treatments. Allergies may start in patient with genetic predisposition and exposition to allergens. They are the consequence of an immune system dysfunction: it unwittingly fights against substances that are not normally deemed harmful, allergens. Pollens, mites, pollen allergens, animal protein, atmospheric molds are susceptible to enhance allergic reactions.
Research from RMIT University in Melbourne and Griffith University showed that acupuncture treatment reduced the levels of IgE in the body which is associated with allergic symptoms. Allergies result from a loss of tolerance against harmless antigens characterized by formation of allergen-specific Th2 cells and Ig E.
What is B&Q Acupuncture Protocol for Hay fever and Sinus Congestion?
At B&Q Acupuncture, treatment is designed to target the current congestion while strengthening your immune system to help make you less reactive in the future.
In acute stage, acupuncture reduces inflammation (swelling) and pain, so you may notice your congestion lessening during your treatment. It also helps with the movement of fluids in the body, and can assist in the breakdown of congested mucous. In chronic stage, acupuncture builds up our immune system, which helps attack the viruses and bacteria.
If you are interested in having acupuncture for hay fever or sinus, please contact our clinic (08)6111 5027 or email info@bqacupuncture.com.au. We are looking forward to supporting you.