Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis that occurs at particular times of year, usually spring and summer, when pollen counts are high. Allergic rhinitis, which can occur at any time, is an inflammation of the nose caused by reaction to an allergen in the air or in food.

Hay fever symptoms include: a blocked, runny and/or itchy nose; watering, itchy and red eyes; frequent sneezing; a tickley or sore throat, a heavy head and tiredness.

Common rhinitis triggers include mould spores, animal hairs, house dust and mites, while hay fever is often caused by pollen from grasses, trees and plants. When a sensitive person breathes in one of these allergens the body reacts by producing histamine, which causes inflammation, increased mucus and congestion. Food allergies can also trigger this effect.

According to Chinese medicine, hay fever is a condition of atopy (a form of hypersensitivity) and is very successfully treated using Chinese Medicine.  Hay fever is usually attributed to a deficiency of Qi and an invasion of Wind-Heat in the Lung.

Studies have shown that the use of some acupuncture points effectively reduce hay fever symptoms. Treatment is best started well in advance of the pollen season.

We are confident that the program will help the majority of our patients, however, the length and effectiveness of the treatment really depends on the lifestyle and condition of the individual at the first visit, as all patients will have different situations, which require individual attention in their treatment.