The sun is finally shining, the days are getting longer and Spring is moving into Summer, which for a lot of people can mean the start or worsening of seasonal allergies and hay fever. Personally, some years I get affected more than others. But I know many people can find this time of year quite difficult.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, or seasonal rhinitis, usually occurs early Spring and Summer when the pollen count tends to be highest. The pollen or dust inflames the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose which causes runny or blocked nose, sneezing, red, itchy and watery eyes, itchy throat, headaches and can also leave those affected generally feeling tired.
Can reflexology help?
Reflexology is a great way to help your body and mind deeply relax and can help reduce your stress levels.
Did you know that stress has been shown to make allergic symptoms, such as those with hay fever, worse? Since reflexology can help to reduce stress levels, it may also help provide some relief to hay fever symptoms.
Research shows that “individuals with persistent emotional stress have more frequent allergy flares” (Patterson et al, 2014). “Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers, and may even be the root of stress for some…While alleviating stress won’t cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms.” (Medical News Today, 2014).
So, while stress isn’t responsible for hay fever symptoms or flare ups, it can have an impact on them. Reducing your stress levels with reflexology may improve your hay fever symptoms, as well as helping to improve your general wellbeing.
Whether you try foot reflexology or facial reflexology, if you come to my treatment room with seasonal allergies, I will work on those areas affected to try and help with symptom relief. Depending on how you are affected this could include the reflexes for your eyes, nose, lungs and sinuses. Each treatment is tailored to your unique needs to help you benefit the most, helping you to release tension, let your stress melt away and hopefully help you sleep better too.
Reflexology to help at home
When you’re at home, here is some reflexology you can do to help.
Start by always keeping a couple of teaspoons in the fridge, then just follow the instruction on the diagram. You can apply techniques using the back of a teaspoons. Slide them from the centre outwards after applying a few drops of facial oil. The cold will help to calm inflammation and irritation and reduces any puffiness.
Try some Aromatherapy
It’s also worth considering aromatherapy, as many essential oils are beneficial in helping to reduce inflammation, ease congestion and relax you.
My personal preference is for aroma nasal inhalers. These are small and discreet, so you can carry them with you and use as needed. Using a single essential oil or a beautiful blend, it can provide a lovely energising and soothing aroma to use during the day. If this is something you’d like to try, please let me know next time you’re in for reflexology.
If you’re at home, a diffuser blend such as Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon may be helpful in soothing your symptoms.
It’s important to note that while reflexology may provide relief for some individuals with seasonal allergies, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Please continue to follow the advice of your GP when dealing with your seasonal allergies. Reflexology can complement conventional treatments and contribute to overall wellness, but it should be used as part of your approach in addition to your medical advice.
If you'd like to try reflexology to help with your hay fever symptoms, why not book in today and see if can make a difference.
References
Are allergies made worse by stress? (2014)
Patterson AM, Yildiz VO, Klatt MD, Malarkey WB. Perceived stress predicts allergy flares. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014 Apr;112(4):317-21.
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