Treating Hay Fever With Acupuncture
Hay fever is an overreaction of the body's immune system to pollen, which conventional medicine seeks to suppress using antihistamines, steroids etc. this can be of some help controlling the symptoms but is of little benefit in rebalancing the immune system and there is increasing evidence to suggest that acupuncture offers an effective way to address this condition without the side effects associated with drug therapy.
How does Acupuncture assist infertility?
While most hay fever sufferers Experience the same symptoms what has caused those symptoms can be different in one person to another and diagnosing the individual pattern of disharmony responsible is at the heart of traditional acupunctures approach to treatment.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. Points on the face, hands and upper back are commonly used for hay fever, although those on the legs and torso can also sometimes be used.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. Points on the face, hands and upper back are commonly used for hay fever, although those on the legs and torso can also sometimes be used.
What happens when I come for treatment?
Treatment will usually involve the insertion of 6-12 fine, sterile, surgical stainless steal needles and their retention for 20-30 minutes. After insertion, the practitioner will sometimes manipulate the needles at intervals to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. In most individuals withdrawal of the needles leaves no mark as the natural elasticity of the skin closes the point again without bleeding or bruising.
How long will the treatment last?
A standard course comprises 6 treatments but further treatment may be necessary depending on the individual case.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and reliable therapy and is increasingly used by medical doctors and physiotherapist, as well as traditional acupuncturists. Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used and competence is ensured by membership of a professional body with rigorous standards of training and professional conduct.
Is there anything I can do?
Being treated with Chinese medicine is not just about being 'done to', it is also about actively managing ones own health and treatment Is a partnership between patient and practitioner.
As well as minimising exposure to pollen, especially during the initial phase of treatment, diet can play an important role with many sufferers experiencing a reduction on avoidance of certain foods, particularly dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.
The state of the immune system is also affected by our stress levels with higher stress levels predisposing the immune system to inflammation and allergic reactions. We cannot always eliminate stress from our lives entirely but techniques such as meditation can help us control it.
As well as minimising exposure to pollen, especially during the initial phase of treatment, diet can play an important role with many sufferers experiencing a reduction on avoidance of certain foods, particularly dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.
The state of the immune system is also affected by our stress levels with higher stress levels predisposing the immune system to inflammation and allergic reactions. We cannot always eliminate stress from our lives entirely but techniques such as meditation can help us control it.
