As we zoom through the end of summer towards the beginning of fall, we approach the dreaded hay fever season. Hay fever is another name for seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergies are characterized by a runny nose, sore throat, congestion and watery eyes. Sounds like a typical cold but the sufferer realizes she has been “sick” for a few weeks. Her cold has become a chronic condition. Hay fever is so named because the onset coincides with the late summer and the harvesting of hay.
The seasonal allergy label covers several different seasonal allergies: The February-May season produces tree allergies. Spring 2024 was particularly challenging for allergy sufferers; a mild, wet winter and wet spring led to a wonderful profusion of early blooming trees and other plant life. People sensitive to tree pollen were suffering by early March through June. April through June is usually when the grasses bloom, but the same factors led to early blooming. July through November is weed (pollen) season, especially ragweed, which claims 15% of allergy sufferers.
You know when it’s hay fever/allergy season. You and your friends are walking around (again) with nasal sprays, tissues, Zyrtec prescriptions, getting injections and complaining.
In the face of all these irritants in the air, can acupuncture really help? Yes.
Acupuncture’s superpower is its ability to move and regulate the body’s energy, regulating body mechanics.
Absence of movement results in illness or at least dysfunction. Imagine that your pulmonary system is not operating effectively, your lungs don’t behave as needed, resulting in congestion, coughing, post-nasal drip and runny nose. Acupuncture moves everything along, allowing your lungs to expel irritating particles more efficiently, regulating your immune system to prevent allergic reactions in the first place and reducing inflammation, thus reducing symptoms for those allergens that get through.
Treatment plans vary from patient to patient.
I recommend coming in one month before your symptoms usually start, tuning your body up to repel the pollen onslaught. Acupuncture works by changing patterns for the better—in this case, strengthening your immune system to repel the invading pollen. Depending on your presentation, I may also prescribe an herbal formula, especially Yu Ping Feng San, which is used to treat respiratory disorders, or other formulas, depending on the patient’s pattern. In English, the formula is called Jade Windscreen, for its immune-enhancing properties as it strengthens the body’s defensive capabilities (Qi). I suggest avoiding dairy and sugar, challenging for some to digest; and including ginger and turmeric in cooking and teas. If you are already struggling with congestion, try a steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil, known for its antibacterial and healing properties.
Ready to feel better? Call our office for an appointment. We offer a free 15-minute consultation to make sure acupuncture is right for you.
Dr. Sara Youner owns Morning Light Acupuncture in Springfield. You can reach her via phone or text at (908) 400-2314, or by email at [email protected]. Her website is www.morninglightacupuncturenj.com.
