BY ANGIE CHOI, TCM R.Ac.

Unlike traditional medications that treat symptoms, acupuncture aims to restore your body’s balance, addressing the root cause of your allergies.

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect millions of people worldwide. These allergies are triggered by an immune system response to airborne substances that appear during certain seasons of the year.

Causes of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies are primarily caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, which release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. When someone with a sensitive immune system inhales this pollen, their body mistakenly identifies it as a harmful invader and releases chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream, causing allergy symptoms.

The timing and severity of these allergies can vary significantly depending on climate, geographic location and what types of vegetation are prevalent.

For example:

• Spring is typically marked by tree pollen, starting as early as February in certain regions.
• During summer, grass pollen is prevalent, peaking in late spring and early summer.
• In the fall, weed pollen, especially from ragweed, begins around August and continues until the first frost.

Symptoms

Common indicators of seasonal allergies include:

• Nasal congestion and a runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Throat discomfort
• Coughing
• Dark circles under the eyes, known as “allergic shiners”
• Fatigue, often caused by disrupted sleep due to other symptoms

These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can greatly affect everyday life and productivity.

Treatments

Managing seasonal allergies typically involves a mix of preventative measures and medication. This includes staying indoors when pollen counts are high, especially on dry, windy days, using air purifiers, keeping windows shut during peak pollen times and minimizing exposure to dust and other allergens. Avoidance may extend to certain foods that could exacerbate allergies.

A holistic approach

For those looking for more natural ways to manage seasonal allergies, several holistic methods may complement or replace traditional treatments:

• Acupuncture: This can help alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms and boost your immune system.
• Herbal remedies: Various herbs and traditional Chinese medicinal practices can provide symptom relief.
• Dietary adjustments: Increasing water intake and consuming more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and quercetin can help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
• Nasal irrigation: Flushing the nasal passages with saline can help clear allergens and irritants.

It’s important for individuals to work closely with health-care providers to develop an effective allergy management plan that considers personal health history and the severity of symptoms. The goal is to reduce discomfort and prevent seasonal allergies from detracting from one’s quality of life.

Stay healthy and breathe easy!

Dr. Angie Choi is a registered doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncturist. dr.angiechoi@gmail.com

^{Copyright Renfrew-Collingwood Community News}