Treat Hay Fever Symptoms with Acupressure
Introduction
Hay fever, which is also known as allergic rhinitis, feels like a bad cold. Those afflicted may have a runny nose, nasal congestion, frequent sneezes and pressure in the sinus. Hay fever can be caused by allergies to substances such as pollen, in which case the outbreaks are usually seasonal. Alternatively, hay fever may come from allergies to house allergens like dust mites or pet dander, which may cause chronic symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in five persons are affected by hay fever. Various medical treatments exist, but some people are able to successfully treat hay fever symptoms with acupressure.
Acupressure has a longer history in oriental medicine than acupuncture, being used before the utility of tiny needles for acupuncture became popular. You can use these same acupressure techniques at home with very little training. Here are some specific pressure points listed by their specific name that have been found to help.
Joining the Valley
This pressure point is located at a key meridian that can bring a rapid return to balance of the conditions causing the worst symptoms of hay fever. Locate it by bringing the thumb and index finger of the left hand together while holding that hand before you and facing down. Press with the thumb of your right hand on the muscle that rises in the webbing between the index finger and thumb and the right index finger beneath the palm. Use a squeezing motion towards the bone connecting the index finger. Take some long, slow and deep breaths while you do this. Then reverse the action and do the same on your right hand, using the thumb and index finger of the left hand. Caution: Do not use this point if pregnant.
Bigger Rushing
Another important meridian point is found on the foot. The Bigger Rushing point lies between the bones that lead to the big toe and second toe. Use the index fingers of each hand to exert firm pressure here and rub between these areas. As you do so, press towards the bone that connects the second toe to the foot.
Drilling Bamboo
Another important pressure point to treat hay fever symptoms with acupressure is the indentation in the eye socket. This spot is found exactly where the bridge of the nose meets the eyebrow ridge. Use pressure here for three minutes, again taking slow, deep breaths.
Outer Gate
This point is located on the forearm on the top of the arm, between the two bones in your arm. Measure two and one-half finger widths above the crease in the wrist and press firmly on this spot with the index or middle finger of the other hand for three minutes, breathing deeply and slowly while doing so.
References
Gach, Michael Reed, Acupressure Potent Points, Bantam Books, 1990
Herbal Shop.com: Acupressure Points for Relieving Sinus and Hay Fever
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