Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is commonly caused by pollen and tends to occur during spring and summer when pollen levels are high. In Western medicine, antihistamines are typically used to alleviate symptoms. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views hay fever as a result of deficient energy in the lungs, spleen, and kidneys.
Acupuncture is a treatment method that stimulates the body’s natural healing ability and enhances the immune system. It can help loosen mucus, improve circulation around the head, strengthen the spleen to dissolve phlegm, enhance lung function to increase tolerance to irritants, and improve overall kidney energy. Through these mechanisms, acupuncture has shown to be effective in treating hay fever.
Additionally, some hay fever patients opt to receive acupuncture before the hay fever season begins as a preventive measure. This approach can help reduce the severity of symptoms or even prevent them from occurring altogether.