Relief from h-h-h-hayfever! Using traditional Chinese medicine

When the sun comes out after a long Winter, we busily make plans around absorbing its rays and enjoying the warmth. But for many Australians, going outside in Spring means a head that feels like a brick, boxes and boxes of tissues and abandoned social occasions.

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects about 16% of Australians, and is one of our most common respiratory disorders. It can hit in hay fever season (around the start of Spring), or last all year round (known as persistent or perennial allergic rhinitis). Hay fever is a reaction to different allergens, including dust mites, pet dander and fur, fungal spores and the pollens that are released in springtime.

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Sinus congestion and headaches
• Itchy ears, nose and throat

Anti-histamines and other types of tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops may only provide short-term symptomatic relief, and can cause drowsiness. And avoiding the outdoors completely is rarely convenient.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a fantastic remedy for hay fever. It works to resolve the root problems that cause a sufferer to be predisposed to hay fever, as well as relieving the symptoms. Following only one or two sessions, many experience long lasting, continued relief from the irritating and often debilitating symptoms that accompany the condition.

A majority of the patients treated for hay fever at Meridian Medical Centre have reported their noses drying out, pain from blocked sinus passages easing, increased energy levels and relief from sore, itchy eyes. Their symptoms also improve year on year, thanks to the accumulative effect of acupuncture. Simply put, they have discovered a newfound freedom, without having to rely on chemicals, pills or prescriptions.

Chief practitioner at Meridian Medical Centre, Dr Albert Tsai, says “acupuncture works differently with each individual, but in most cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis, the most effective treatment plan is to start acupuncture at the end of Winter, to boost your immune system in time to handle the extra pollen released in Spring.

“I recommend two treatment sessions in the first week, then weekly sessions after that, throughout the season,”  he says.

If you think you might be suffering from hay fever, get in touch with the team at Meridian to discuss a treatment plan, so you can trash the tissues and start enjoying your Spring sunshine again.

 

Find out how traditional Chinese medicine can help other respiratory conditions.