Give hay fever the heave-ho with Hay-Band
For many the warmer weather will come as a welcome relief, but if you’re one of the 15 million people in the UK affected by hay fever, you may not want to hang up your hanky just yet.
The Hay-Band works by applying pressure to the acupressure point on either arm, called the LI-11 point. The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergy, including hay fever.
Acupressure is believed to increase the flow of natural energy through the stimulation of various pressure points and in doing so, help unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat, and promote wellbeing.
The LI-11 point can be found at the end of the crease at the elbow. Once located, simply slide the Hay-Band into position so that the button faces inwards over the pressure point, with the bands passing either side of the elbow.
The band is fast-acting and may be worn on either arm or if symptoms are acute, one can be worn on both arms. A drug-free, natural product, the band can also be put in place as a preventative.
There is no drowsiness or other side effects and the band is suitable for adults and children over the age of three, but not suitable for use during pregnancy.
Hay-Band costs £11.99 per (washable) band and is available in Northern Ireland from pharmacies nationwide including Gordons Chemists.
HAY FEVER FACT FILE
· It is estimated that 1 million people in Ireland and 15 million people in the UK are affected by hay fever; grass pollen is by far the biggest trigger.
· Pollen causes cells to release histamine and other chemicals, resulting in a runny, itchy nose, blocked sinuses, sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes, and/or a sore, itchy throat.
If you are prone to hay fever the following precautions may help to keep your symptoms to a minimum: keep your body as free from toxins as possible by eating wholefoods and avoiding junk; keep your caffeine and alcohol intake low and avoid nicotine; drinking plenty of water and keeping your bowel moving daily will help to reduce the toxic load on your system.
Many people with hay fever are also likely to have sensitivity to certain foods, including dairy. Dairy foods are mucous-forming which can make hay fever symptoms worse. Try to keep dairy produce to a minimum or seek out dairy-free alternatives such as rice or oat milk.
· Check prevailing winds and pollen counts and remember that wind dried clothes can become pollen catchers. Hanging clothes inside will keep them pollen free.
· Many people believe that local honey has an anti-histamine effect. Although it’s not a solution that works for everyone, the pollen that is naturally present in the honey is thought to have a desensitizing effect.
· And don’t be an early bird! Getting up early can make your symptoms worse as pollen counts tend to peak between 5am and 10am.
