At last!  The days are getting longer and brighter, the blossom is coming out on the trees and the warm sun is causing the flowers to burst up through the ground.  Spring is here!  For most, this is a relief after the long cold British winter, but for some, the appearance of lush green grass and flowers indicates the beginning of months of grief.  Does frequent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose and red itchy swollen eyes sound familiar to you?

There can be no mistaking these symptoms... spring equals hayfever!  Hay fever is chronic inflammation of the nose, throat and sinuses induced by external irritants such as pollen, dust and animal hair.  On average, 1 in 90 of us suffers badly enough to consult a GP, but many more suffer with milder symptoms.  The side effects of chronic or untreated hay fever can make a person feel constantly ill, miserable and fed up – not what you need when you’re trying to enjoy the limited sunshine this country offers!

It is not known why certain people are over-sensitive to normally harmless pollen grains or other airborne particles.  However, those who have other allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema, are particularly susceptible.  An increase in pollution in the environment and exposure to household chemicals may also weaken the body’s resistance.  If this occurs, it lessens the body’s ability to control its response towards allergens.

Many over the counter medications, such as antihistamines, can help alleviate symptoms for a short period, but their effectiveness tends to wear off throughout the season.  However, the benefits of acupuncture can offer immediate relief as well as having an accumulative effect throughout the year. In other words, several consecutive treatments can alleviate symptoms for a period of time, but then top-up treatments may be needed to sustain the body’s immunity.  People who have acupuncture treatment for their hay fever may also find that their symptoms are less severe the following year, as immunity has been sustained.

It is beneficial to start treatment 4-6 weeks before the hay fever season starts, as this will give your body the chance to build up immunity and resistance.  In practice, the vast majority of people come when they have all the symptoms of hay fever and are desperately looking for some relief, which can still be achieved even at this acute stage.  So, out with the tissues and on with the sun
cream!