What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the lining of the nose. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to substances in the environment that are normally harmless, such as pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system releases substances such as histamine, triggering an inflammatory response. This can affect the nose, eyes and throat and cause symptoms that may feel similar to having a cold.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Itchy nose, throat or ears

• Watery, itchy or red eyes

• Postnasal drip

• Headaches and difficulty sleeping

Symptoms may occur throughout the year or be seasonal, depending on the allergens involved. For people with pollen allergies, symptoms often become more noticeable during spring and summer.

Conventional treatment includes antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays and other allergy medications. These can be effective, although some people experience side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth, depending on the medication.

How can acupuncture help with hay fever?

Acupuncture may be a useful complementary approach for people experiencing allergic rhinitis. Research suggests that it may help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and a runny or itchy nose in some people.

The exact mechanisms are still being investigated. Acupuncture may influence nervous system activity and certain inflammatory processes involved in allergic reactions, although we do not yet fully understand how these effects occur.

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and individual situation. The aim is to reduce the impact of allergic symptoms and improve your comfort and quality of life.

Acupuncture is not a replacement for prescribed allergy medication, but it can be considered alongside conventional treatment.

When should I start acupuncture treatment?

If you experience seasonal hay fever, it may be helpful to start acupuncture before the pollen season begins, rather than waiting until symptoms become troublesome.

Some research suggests that a course of acupuncture before or during allergy season may help reduce symptoms, although individual responses vary.

If you are already experiencing symptoms, it is not too late to start. Treatment can still be considered to help manage your complaints.

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depend on the severity of your symptoms, how long you have experienced them and how you respond to acupuncture.

For seasonal allergies, it may be useful to plan a course of treatments in the weeks leading up to the season when your symptoms usually begin. We will discuss your individual situation and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.