Acupuncture for Hay Fever in Canberra
Do you suffer from hay fever in Canberra – knowingly or unknowingly? Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) afflicts one in three Canberrans every year. The condition – characterised by a runny or blocked nose, watery and itchy eyes, and sneezing or coughing – is prevalent from August to February. Hay fever in Canberra may be relieved by acupuncture (often with medicinal herbs), antihistamines, and nasal sprays.
Why is hay fever so common in Canberra?
Unfortunately, Canberra is the hay fever and allergy capital of Australia. This unwanted title is due to Canberra’s climate, geography, and broad diversity of plants, trees, and weeds. The acupuncture team at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre helps many patients suffering from hay fever.
What is hay fever in Canberra caused by?
Hay fever in Canberra is mainly caused by airborne pollen from cypress, birch, elm, plane, and alder trees – not to mention ryegrass, Alternaria (a family of fungi), and certain weeds (Paterson’s Curse, Lamb’s Tongue). The cypress pine kicks off the Canberra allergy season in late July. Hay fever in Canberra can also be caused by animal fur, household dust, moulds, air pollutants, cockroaches, dust mites, latex, and certain foods.
What makes acupuncture a unique treatment for hay fever?
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that may relieve hay fever symptoms. Many hay fever sufferers in Canberra report feeling better after acupuncture treatment. As a hay fever treatment, acupuncture is unique in that it seeks to regulate or moderate the immune system’s response to the allergen (rather than merely treat the symptoms).
Can acupuncture treatment be combined with other hay fever treatments?
In most cases, yes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often used in tandem to treat hay fever in Canberra. Herbs that may be used or combined to treat hay fever include sage, rosemary, stinging nettle, and goldenrod. Many patients also combine acupuncture with conventional antihistamines and nasal sprays. Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre has expertise in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Canberra.
How many acupuncture sessions are required to treat hay fever?
Given the prevalence and typical severity of hay fever in Canberra, multiple acupuncture sessions are usually required to provide sustained relief. The acupuncture team at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre will recommend a treatment schedule after conducting a high-level physical examination and health assessment at the initial consultation.
How can I prevent or minimise the impact of hay fever?
Prevention may be impossible (there is no cure), but there are many ways to minimise the potential impact of hay fever in Canberra.
- Wear sunglasses and a face mask outdoors – particularly on windy days.
- Monitor the daily grass pollen count and forecast at Canberra Pollen, especially during spring.
- Keep car and house windows closed during the warmer months (use fans and air conditioning).
- Shower (preferably in warm or hot water) after mowing the lawn or doing gardening work.
- Dust, sweep, and vacuum your home regularly.
- Consider buying a dehumidifier to reduce mould in your home.
- Drink warm fluids (soup, herbal tea, etc.) to reduce mucus in the nasal passages.
- Minimise foods and beverages that make hay fever worse, such as dairy products, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Apply a warm compress to the temples, forehead, and nose in the early stages of hay fever.
Unfortunately, hay fever affects some people more than others.
What happens at an acupuncture session for hay fever?
The patient lies on a comfortable bench whilst the acupuncturist gently inserts needles into specific acupuncture points on the body and face. The patient experiences little discomfort during the needling process. Needles are left in place for between 5 and 30 minutes.
Why should I choose Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre for acupuncture in Canberra?
Dr. Linda Liang and Dr. Ricky Qi Li comprise the acupuncture team at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre. Both are highly experienced practitioners registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
To enquire about acupuncture treatment for hay fever in Canberra or to make a booking, please call (02) 5105 9049 or 0401 178 828.