Spring Has Sprung – So Too Has Hay Fever

Spring in Australia is a time of renewal—warmer weather, blooming flowers, and unfortunately, hay fever. If you’re one of the nearly 1 in 5 Australians affected, you’re no stranger to the sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and relentless nasal congestion that come with this seasonal condition.

But what exactly is hay fever?

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an immune system overreaction to airborne allergens like pollen from grasses, flowers, or weeds—especially common in spring. While your body is doing its best to expel these invaders with sneezing and runny noses, the symptoms can range from mildly annoying to downright disruptive, affecting sleep, work performance, and social life.

Common symptoms include:

·       Sneezing

·       Itchy, watery eyes

·       Blocked or runny nose

Standard Treatments and Their Limits

Most conventional treatments—antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays—offer symptom relief but may come with side effects like drowsiness. For some, these medications simply don’t work well enough, prompting a search for more natural, holistic options.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

From a TCM standpoint, hay fever is seen as an invasion of “Wind”—an external pathogenic factor. Wind carries the allergens that enter the body when our “defensive qi” (comparable to the immune system) is weak. This defensive qi is governed by the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems.

Factors such as stress, overwork, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can weaken these organs and, in turn, compromise your immune defences. Acupuncture, with its whole-body approach, aims to strengthen these core systems, addressing not just symptoms but the underlying root causes of imbalance.

What Does the Research Say?

Modern science is catching up with ancient wisdom. Two 2022 systematic reviews found that acupuncture significantly reduced nasal symptoms and improved quality of life in people with moderate to severe hay fever compared to no treatment:

·       Systematic Review 1 – Journal of Internal Medicine

·       Systematic Review 2 – Military Medical Research

Additionally, a 2018 clinical trial found that warm needle acupuncture (combined with moxibustion) helped improve immune system function and reduce hay fever symptoms:

·       Warm Needle Acupuncture Study – World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion

Where to From Here?

Acupuncture isn’t a quick fix—but it is a tailored, holistic approach to healing. Working with a registered acupuncturist can help address your unique constitution and symptoms, often combining treatment with diet and lifestyle modifications.

Additional Natural Support Tips

To reduce your exposure to pollens:

·       Stay indoors on windy days or when the pollen count is high (check it here)

·       Avoid mowing grass or spending time on freshly cut lawns

·       Consider using an air purifier at home

You may also benefit from reducing foods that promote mucous production, such as dairy products and cold/raw foods.

Ready to breathe easier this spring?

Book a treatment and explore a natural path to clearer airways and better wellbeing.