Hay Fever from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 23.9% of Australians reported experiencing hay fever in 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics. It is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or animal dander, causing an exaggerated immune response. While not life-threatening, hay fever can significantly impact quality of life, leading to discomfort and fatigue.
Hay Fever Symptoms:
Sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy eyes, nose, throat, or ears
Watery, red eyes
Sinus pressure or headaches
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
What Causes Hay Fever?
From a Western medical perspective, hay fever is caused by an overactive immune system responding to harmless substances like pollen as if they were threats. This releases histamines, which cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, eyes, and throat.
How Does TCM View Hay Fever?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hay fever is seen as an imbalance in the body’s Qi (vital energy) and the invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind and Heat or Wind and Cold. It often involves a deficiency in the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems, which play a role in immune function and the body’s ability to protect itself from external influences.
For instance:
Lung Qi Deficiency: Leads to weakened defensive energy, making the body more susceptible to allergens.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: Causes dampness and phlegm accumulation, leading to congestion and runny nose.
Kidney Deficiency: Weakens the body’s foundational energy and its ability to maintain long-term immunity.
What Will I Use to Treat Hay Fever?
As a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, I use a combination of therapies tailored to each individual’s presentation and constitution:
Acupuncture: Helps regulate the immune system, clear nasal passages, and reduce inflammation.
Herbal Medicine: Custom herbal formulas address underlying imbalances like Qi deficiency, dampness, or heat.
Cupping: Relieves sinus pressure and helps clear stagnation.
Electro-Acupuncture: Enhances the effects of acupuncture, providing quicker symptom relief in some cases.
Hay Fever Acupuncture Research supports acupuncture’s usefulness in treating hay fever. A 2018 study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that participants receiving acupuncture reported significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life compared to those receiving antihistamines alone (Brinkhaus B, Ortiz M, Witt CM, et al. Acupuncture in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(4):225-234). Other studies highlight acupuncture’s ability to reduce the need for medication and improve long-term outcomes by addressing the root causes of allergic rhinitis.
If you’re struggling with hay fever and looking for a holistic, effective approach, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers time-tested treatments that can provide both symptom relief and long-term balance.
