Seasonal Allergies

 
 

It is the time of the year where hay fever or seasonal rhinitis is the hot topic for those that suffers from it.  This year spring has started earlier.  You may have noticed more sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and itchy eyes starting to creep up on you.  In addition, you may find, if you suffer from skin problems such as eczema, urticaria (hives) or psoriasis, are flaring ups more often and itching is intensified.  You may also noticed more TV, radio and social advertisements on the sales of antihistamines.  This is when you begin your preparation, both mentally and physically for the incoming festival of hay fever.

I am an advocate of preparing the body now, taking or using any preventive methods to reduce the exacerbation of symptoms during spring.  From Chinese medicine perspective, spring can be quite a chaos transition from winter.  As you can gather from the weather pattern, some days are warm and freezing cold the next.  You will also noticed more windy days which carries with it pollen and dust.  There may be heavy rain to warm sunshine the next.  This is quite typical of Melbourne weather and also why it is knows for the highest seasonal allergic state in Australia.

Here are some advice on how to manage the coming hay fever season

  • Build up your immune function

  • Improve on sleep quality

  • Avoid sugar and dairy – they both generate inflammation and mucous

  • Rinse your nose to clear out blockages, pollen and dust – you can get sinus rinse at the chemist

  • Vacuum your living and bedroom often

For those that have skin issues, here are some links to that may be helpful

If you need any help in tackling your hay fever or any skin issues that may be a problem especially in spring, BOOK ONLINE for an acupuncture and herbal medicine consultation. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine are very effective in managing season allergies and also skin issues.

Spring Series: Growth and Expansion

 
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Spring is in the air! Daylight feels longer with slightly warmer temperature during the day, flowers are blossoming, and plants that had laid dormant under the soil are sprouting upwards . We are slowly rising from deep hibernation that has rejuvenated and renewed our energy which we begin to gently release it outwardly. The heavy Yin energy (cold, slow and deep) begins to slowly shift and transform into a light Yang energy (warm, growth and light).

In Chinese medicine, spring is the governed by the Liver, belongs to the Wood element, and the flavour that supports the Liver is Sour. Its colour is Green, the climatic element is Wind, and sense organ is the eyes. The energetic organ of the Liver is in charged of the smooth flow of Qi (energy), stores Blood for nourishing Organs, and controls the tendons and sinews in the body.

In an ideal situation, we would have rested and built our energy through winter months to transition into spring. However, life, emotions, illness and work often challenge our intentions, making us feel that there is not much reserve to spring into the coming season. As much as there is growth and expansion in spring, there can also be volatility and sudden movements in the transformation, especially when we are depleted and deficient in Qi. For example, when the Liver is not nourished and anchored, external Wind can stir emotions such as anger, irritability and annoyance outwardly (Liver Qi Stagnation). Internal Wind generated due emotional outburst sending Heat to rise up to the head causing headaches, migraines or sudden outbreak of acne. In addition, we may feel a sense of overall tightness, sluggishness and stagnant energy in the body due to sinews and tendons that are either not nourished by Liver Blood or caused by Liver Qi Stagnation. Here are a few handy tips to help the Liver and body to move forward into spring:

 

  • Squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with warm water in the morning before breakfast to get that Liver Qi moving and to kick start the day

  • Move, move, move! After long months of winter hibernation and lack of outdoor activities, spring is the best time to go out for walks or to get back into yoga, Pilates or gym. When we move, we stimulate Qi to flow to the body and sending endorphins to the brain therefore, making us feel less lethargic, moody and snappy

  • Switch from heavy winter diet such as curries and lamb stews to lighter meals such as sauteed or quick stir fry fresh green vegetables

  • Use dry brushing to stimulate Qi and Blood flow under the skin. Starting from the leg, using long gentle strokes, move the brush upwards towards the Heart. This helps to exfoliate the skin, support lymphatic drainage and reduces the appearance of cellulite

  • For those that have a roller jade or facial gua sha tool handy, you can use it to help stimulate Qi flow to the face, and lymphatic drainage. This is especially useful for hay fever sufferers or problems with the sinuses

 

I hope this short list can assist you in transitioning into spring a little easier. However, if you need extra help, we are here to assist you. Simply BOOK ONLINE for either a FREE 15 minutes consult to discuss your concerns or a treatment.

Spring Series - 5 Tips To Survive Hay Fever This Spring

 
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We are well and truly into hay fever season as I see more patients coming into the clinic for this reason.  Besides treating hay fever with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, I often advise my clients to do some additional work to further help them manage their hay fever symptoms.

1) Nasal wash.  This is one of the best way to clear nasal congestion.  It cleans your sinus cavities from excess mucous and pollen or inflammatory materials it may contain.  I highly recommend Flo Sinus care as I use this product myself and have found it to be very effective (I am not paid to do any advertising for them).  I wash my sinus cavities at least 2-3 times a day.  I have made it a habit of washing my sinuses every time I have spend time outdoors.  You can find this product in any Chemist Warehouse near you.  Here is a Youtube Video explaining the importance of caring for your sinuses and how the product is used.

2) Removing clothing items and showering when exposed to pollen.  After spending a glorious spring day out removing any item of clothing exposed to pollen and jump straight into the shower to wash away pollen stuck to the hair and eyes helps to ensure that the pollen does not irritate the nose and eyes when I am at home safe from allergen.

3) Invest in an air purifier.  As the weather warms up, I love opening the windows to let in the fresh air flow through the house.  However,  to combat pollen flowing around the house, I use an air purifier to clear the air of allergen after I have shut the windows. It is also very important to continuously keep your space clean and dust free to reduce any trigger to your allergy.

4) Avoid foods that produces mucous.  Dairy, sugar, raw and greasy food should be avoided.  In Chinese medicine, foods that deplete the transformation and transportation process of the Spleen will often lead to the formation of Damp (sinus congestion, mucous and phlegm).  If you are prone to being Damp these food should be avoided to reduce mucous build up in the body and sinus cavities. Foods to avoid are banana, avocado, chocolate, ice-cream, yoghurt, cheese and cold and raw salads and smoothies.

5) Wear a mask and sunglasses.  Wearing a mask may not be fashionable and may get some people staring at you.  However, if you have bad hay fever symptoms and hate being stuck indoor on a wonderful spring day, wearing a mask and sunglass is an alternative to reducing the severity of symptoms while enjoying the outdoor.  Do be cautious that on high pollen count days, it is advisable to stay indoor.

I hope you have found these tips useful.  There is a link to pollen count in Australia and some interesting articles about hay fever that you may be interested in the resources section below.  If you have further questions on how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help to reduce the severity of your hay fever symptoms, we have a FREE 15 minutes consult at the clinic.  Simply BOOK ONLINE and we will be happy to have a chat.  In the meantime, implement these suggested strategies that can help you minimise your allergic reaction to enjoy spring a little more this year.  From a hay fever sufferer to another - good luck!

Resources

Pollen Forecast in Australia

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology And Allergy, 2015.  Pollen Allergy.

Ryan, C., 2015.  Don't Blame The Wattle:  Allergy Expert Explains Real Causes of Hayfever And Why Spring Isn't Always The Worst Time For Sufferers.

My Hayfever (n.d.).  Hay Fever In Australia

 

Winter Series - The Secret To Managing Hay Fever In Spring

 
hay fever

PREVENTION! That is the secret to managing bad hay fever symptoms in spring.

Spring is not my favourite season of the year because I get severe hay fever symptoms such as constant nose drip during the day and at sleep, non-stop sneezing, watery and itchy eyes and etc.  It feels like you are having a common cold continuously for 3 months, and all you want to do is to cut your nose off or live in a bubble until spring is over.  I have tried all sort of western medication such as Zyrtec, Claratyne and nasal spray - none of them had worked for me.  What did work in helping my body to manage and prevent severe hay fever attacks is Chinese herbal medicine and nasal wash.

What I found when I took herbal medicine to boost my immunity and defence system in Winter season, my body was more able to cope with hay fever in spring.  Last year I had one of the best year from my severe hay fever symptoms.  There was the occasional attacks but that would only last for a day and most of the days and during the night, my nose was drip free, itchy and watery eyes free and sneeze free.

So, here is my one simple tip in preparing your body to combat hay fever in spring -

PREVENTION - acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is by far the best.  It is natural and it works!  If you are afraid of needles, there is herbal medicine that you can take to help boost your immunity and defence function to help your body cope with hay fever season.  Preparing your body NOW is the best solution to reducing the severity of your symptoms in spring.

If you dread spring time because of hay fever and are tired of western medication that does not work for you, there is a solution.  From my own experience, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms.  However, there is a catch - natural medicine takes time to work.  Therefore, the sooner you start your treatment, the better you will be able to face hay fever nose on this coming spring.  Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation with us - we are more than happy to have a chat with you and your concerns.