Energy & resilience
Acupuncture for Hay Fever & Allergies
Just when nature is in bloom again, being outside is often no fun for people with hay fever. Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy eyes can also affect your sleep, concentration and energy. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body, both during the season and in the run-up to it.
What is hay fever and how does it show up?
Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a hypersensitivity reaction to pollen from trees, grasses and plants. The immune system mistakes the harmless pollen for intruders and produces histamine, among other substances. This causes the familiar symptoms. You could say the immune system "goes haywire".
Common symptoms include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy, watery or burning eyes, a tickle in the throat and fatigue. Sometimes shortness of breath or a general feeling of malaise also occurs. Symptoms are usually most intense in spring and summer, but can also affect your sleep, concentration, sport and time outdoors.
Besides hay fever, other allergies, such as to house dust mites or animals, can cause similar symptoms. In some people, symptoms are accompanied by a chronically blocked nose, recurring colds or sinusitis, with pressure or pain around the forehead, eyes or cheeks.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hay fever from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hay fever is seen as a combination of an external trigger and an underlying sensitivity of the body. Which symptoms are most prominent varies per person, explaining why one person mainly suffers from the nose and another from the eyes or fatigue. This helps determine the choice of points.
Wind invasion
Feng XieWithin TCM, Wind is associated with symptoms that come on suddenly and change, such as sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes and itching.
Lung Qi deficiency
Fei Qi XuWithin TCM, the Lung is connected with the nose and with protective resistance. A deficiency is associated with reduced resistance, greater sensitivity to allergies and symptoms that return every year.
Liver Heat
Gan ReWithin TCM, rising Heat is associated with red, burning or watery eyes, headaches and irritability.
Phlegm-Damp
Tan ShiWhen digestion functions less well, TCM describes an accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm. This is associated with a blocked nose, mucus, sinus pressure and heavy limbs.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with hay fever?
During treatment, acupuncture points are selected to match your symptom profile. Treatment focuses both on relieving symptoms and on supporting the body so that it reacts less strongly to pollen and other triggers.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on points that are applied within TCM for the nose and eyes, and on points that support resistance.
- 02Local laser treatment: the area around the nose and sinuses can be treated directly with therapeutic laser light. This is comfortable when the face is sensitive or irritated.
- 03Acupressure: targeted pressure on acupuncture points around the nose, eyes and hands can complement the treatment. You will also be shown points you can massage yourself between treatments when symptoms flare up.
- 04Treating before the season: you can start treatment a few weeks before your symptoms usually begin, so that the body enters the season well prepared.
- 05During the season: when symptoms are already present, treatment first focuses on relieving them and then on supporting resistance.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with hay fever?
Acupuncture can be used as support for hay fever, both in relieving symptoms and in supporting resistance. Treatment is tailored to which symptoms are most prominent for you.
Has acupuncture for hay fever been researched?
Yes, a lot of research has been done. A large German multicentre study, the ACUSAR trial, showed that participants had fewer symptoms after a series of acupuncture treatments and used antihistamines less often. Not everyone notices improvement: for some people symptoms barely change.
When is the best time to start treatment?
You can start at any time. Many people choose to begin a few weeks before their hay fever season starts, so that the body enters the season well prepared. If you already have symptoms, treatment first focuses on relieving them.
Can laser acupuncture be used for hay fever?
Yes. With hay fever, laser light can be applied to acupuncture points and locally around the nose and sinuses. Because it is needle-free, it is also comfortable for points on the face.
Can acupuncture also be used for sinusitis or a chronically blocked nose?
Yes. With a blocked nose, recurring colds or sinus complaints, acupuncture can be used as support. Within TCM, attention is often given to Phlegm and Dampness and to the resistance of the Lung.
Can I do anything myself between treatments?
Yes. You will be shown acupressure points that you can massage yourself when your nose becomes blocked or your eyes start to itch. Simple measures can also help, such as keeping windows closed on high-pollen days and washing your hair before bed.
Can I continue using antihistamines alongside acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture combines well with hay fever medication. If you want to reduce or stop, discuss this with your GP first.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Chronic colds & sinusitis
A constantly blocked nose, recurring colds or pressure around the forehead and cheeks.
Personal Treatment Plan
Dreading the hay fever season?
During a first appointment, we look at your symptom profile and which form of acupuncture suits you best, ideally before the season begins.