The Hay fever challenge

The onset of summer means we’re now in hay fever territory.

If you’re one of the people who suffer from hay fever or other allergies that affect the sinuses, sunny, warm weather is nice, but you dread having to deal with the ongoing discomfort of hay fever.

What triggers hay fever

You have four sets of sinuses in your face, in a kind of honeycomb arrangement around the nose, above and below the eye sockets. They’re lined with mucus to protect the sensitive lining and the tiny pollen particles carried in the air are breathed in.

For most people there’s no effect and they are completely unaware of it.  The body’s processes simply eliminate these tiny particles.  However, if you have an allergy your body’s reaction is to send mucus production into overdrive to protect the sensitive lining of your sinuses.

The symptoms and treatment

You may suffer from catarrh, nasal congestion, pressure or a feeling of fullness in your face, headaches, popping ears, watery eyes and sneezing.  Everyone is different, but any of these symptoms can be uncomfortable.

What can you do to alleviate the symptoms? 

You can take anti-histamines or anti-inflammatories, but that won’t solve the problem, it just dumbs down the symptoms.  In extreme cases some doctors will recommend an injection, although this is not always available through the NHS.

There is a holistic alternative – a myo-fascial release (MFR) massage.

It may seem unlikely that a massage can help, but MFR massage gently smoothes away the restrictions to allow the mucus to drain. This can help to restore the mucus membranes to normal and clears that bunged up feeling, releasing pressure.  As that is the cause of headaches and ear popping, those symptoms will disappear.

To finish the treatment, gentle cupping is applied to aid drainage of the mucus. If still infected, a carefully selected blend of essential oils with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties is massaged into the sinuses to help reduce irritation, so you feel better

Once the inflamed mucus membranes have been soothed and are operating more normally, the symptoms will reduce and things will go back to normal.

To book a MFR facial massage, please contact Maypole bookings on 01621 888080

Myo Fascial Release | Maypole Health Clinic