Tulloch Clinic
Give hay fever the heave ho
Spring is upon us and along with sunshine (hopefully), long days and barbecues, many of us will suffer from runny noses, sore throats and sneezing as pollen season gets into full swing. The UK has one of the highest rates of hay fever sufferers with symptoms affecting up to 13 million of the population.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis is due to an over activity of the immune system to certain allergens. Pollen particles irritate the lining of eyes, nose and throat triggering an allergic reaction. The immune system overreacts; wrongly thinking grass and tree pollen are threatening toxins and responds as if it was attacking a virus, releasing histamine to protect the body. Histamine further irritates the nose and throat lining and the eyes leading to inflammation and swelling and in turn the recognisable symptoms of hay fever appear – cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and blockage, eye symptoms (red eyes, itching, tearing). Other less obvious symptoms include tiredness, fever, pressure sensation in the head and itchiness. If left untreated Hay fever can affect quality of life, work, sleep and in turn general well being.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that looks at pain and illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. We believe illness and pain occur when one’s Qi or vital energy cannot flow freely. Therefore, the primary aim of treatment is to restore the free flow of Qi and in turn restore the body’s equilibrium bringing balance to body, mind and spirit.
In relation to hay fever, acupuncture has been shown to relieve symptoms by
♥ reducing inflammation
♥ aiding the dispersal of swelling in the body
♥ enhancing natural killer cells activities
♥ regulating levels of proteins that are capable of producing allergic reactions
♥ stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues leading to the release of endorphins changing the processes of pain in the brain
Acupuncture treatment also has the added benefit of having no side effects compared to conventional treatments. Acupressure and ear seeds are also provided to continue the treatment at home between sessions.
If you would like more information about acupuncture and hay fever or how acupuncture can help you, please book an appointment with our acupuncturist at the Tulloch Clinic.
We also look forward to welcoming you back to the Studio from 12th April when our beauty and massage therapists are permitted to return to work.
Call 020 8480 4242 or book online at www.tullochclinicandbeautystudio.co.uk/
Inga Tulloch | Tulloch Clinic and Studio