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Hay Fever - Aromatherapy & Reflexology |
| Posted on Jun 13 2010 |
It's Hay Fever season and for those of you who experience red, itchy eyes, stuffy, runny noses and constant sneezing, it may feel like your symptoms are never ending.
Hay Fever is an allergy to pollen which affects 1 in 4 people during the spring & summer. It's a type of allergic rhinitis (rhinitis being inflammation of the nose), which is caused by an allergy to trees, plants, grasses and spores/moulds in the air. It causes inflammation in the nasal passages which also spreads to the sinuses around the eyes, and behind the cheeks.
When the body's immune system reacts to the allergen, it does so in such a way that it mistakenly thinks it's a virus invading the body and fights back releasing antibodies to fight the 'infection'. Histamine is one of the chemicals released and when it comes into contact with the pollen and spores it triggers the symptoms many people experience with Hayfever such as a runny nose, red, itchy eyes etc...
Complementary Therapies:
Aromatherapy:
The essential oils of Roman Chamomile & German Chamomile are anti histamines along with Melissa. Pine, Lavender & Thyme are also useful with their anti inflammatory & decongestant properties (however, some of these oils should not be used if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure). They also should not be used neat on the skin.
Reflexology:
In advance of and throughout spring and summer months you may find Reflexology beneficial. Particular attention would be paid to the reflex points around the head, sinuses and adrenal glands.
Pollen count calendars for the UK & Holiday hot spots:
http://www.zirtek.co.uk/hayfever/pollen-calendar.php
http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=2932&symbolprefix=p&fivedaycityid=8
Hayfever map of Britain & Holiday Hotspots from Nasacort.co.uk. (Scroll down the page). http://nasacort.co.uk
Last changed: May 01 2011 at 6:02 PM
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