For the second year running I’ve seen November to be the worst month for hay fever sufferers. Whilst September used to mark the start of hay fever season in Melbourne, more people are enquiring about Acupuncture for Hay Fever in November the past 2 years.
It is hard to know what is causing the shift, but we can always rely on the weather being unpredictable in Melbourne. I personally believe that there has been a slow seasonal shift occurring in Melbourne. The spring seems to be starting a bit later and we have been getting more rain. This of course encourages flower and grass growth which in turn creates more pollen in the air.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for Hay Fever symptoms which you can read about here. There are other things you can do to help you cope with the symptoms.
Things to try at home to help ease allergy symptoms
A Neti Pot is an ayurvedic therapy whereby you manually irrigate your sinuses with a saline solution to physically flush out the pollen from your sinus cavity.
There are several videos on youtube on how to use a Neti Pot. I recommend to my patients to buy a stainless steel neti pot as it should last you a lifetime. Whilst the sensation of water up your nose can be a bit uncomfortable for some, I personally find it quite refreshing. The slight saltiness to the solution gives you that “just had a swim in the ocean” feeling.
At night time, using a humidifier (which is often only ever used for children), can help open up your sinuses while you sleep. I have many patients complaining of how the constant nasal congestion is stopping them from even falling asleep. The humidifier is often a simple but useful option.
Sadly Melbourne is considered the hay fever capital of the world. It is the price we pay for living in such a lovely area surrounded by mountains and also having the ocean at our doorstep. I myself over the past few years have started to developed hay fever symptoms, even though I have never been a sufferer in my life. I am seeing more clients like myself, suddenly developing hay fever symptoms having never had issues before.
Take action if you are experiencing sudden allergy symptoms
The reasons behind the increase in allergies is unclear. There are many scientific theories; from climate change, to increased pollution and lifestyle, but nothing conclusive has been found. If you live in Victoria, there’s a high probability you will encounter allergies at some point in your life, so best be prepared. If you experience symptoms such as chest congestion or difficulty breathing then best see you GP to check for any asthma related issues. No one wants a repeat of the thunderstorm asthma event from a couple of years ago. Always take symptoms related to breathing seriously and seek help from your GP.
If though you are looking for a non-pharmaceutical method of managing your hay fever symptoms; Acupuncture and the use of a Neti Pot may be able to help you cope through the hay fever season.
If you have an questions you’d like to ask, or to make a booking, please call the clinic on 9796 2388.