Although complementary therapies obviously cannot be utilised to treat emergency situations, such as in the case of anaphylaxis, they may be used to make some of the symptoms associated with allergies more bearable. In fact, the Prince's Foundation has identified through research studies that complementary therapies are used by as many as 10% of the UK population.
Complementary Therapies for Children with Allergies
Before approaching a complementary therapist, or trying any new form of alternative treatment, it is absolutely crucial to first speak to the family doctor, allergy consultant, or any other health professional involved in helping one's child cope with allergies. This is due to the fact that there are some forms of complementary or alternative therapies which may cause a reaction with the child's current medication. An example of this includes when a child has been prescribed asthma medication by a doctor and then this is not picked up by the complementary therapist.
In Allergies: A Parent's Guide, Goldman (2009) highlights that it is not a good idea to try complementary approaches to allergy treatment before a proper diagnosis has been given by a qualified health-care professional. Also, it is inadvisable to stop the child's prescribed medication, unless this has been agreed upon by the doctor or allergy consultant.
Acupuncture and Aromatherapy for Childhood Allergy Sufferers
Two very well known forms of complementary therapy include acupuncture and aromatherapy, with the former not being suitable if a child is allergic to any metals. Research carried out by Asthma UK, suggests that acupuncture may help some children whose asthma is triggered by an allergy, although it is believed to be less effective for those suffering from exercise-induced forms of the condition. Acupuncture is usually very safe, resulting in few side-effects, but one must ensure that single-use disposable acupuncture needles are used.
Another very common form of complementary therapy is that of aromatherapy, although there is no evidence to indicate that this may help treat allergy sufferers. However, aromatherapy candles or bath oils may help the child to relax. As with food products, before using any aromatherapy oils, make sure the ingredients do not contain any allergens.
Homeopathy and Nutritional Therapy for Allergy Sufferers
In addition to acupuncture and aromatherapy, two other common forms of complementary therapy include homeopathy and nutritional therapy. As yet, there is insufficient evidence available regarding homeopathy treatment for allergy sufferers, although this approach is popular for children, as it is regarded as a gentle approach. As identified by Goldman (2009), homeopathy is frequently used to relieve allergy symptoms, or lower the immune response to allergens, through a process called "desensitisation."
Nutritional therapy typically includes taking food supplements, following a special diet and avoiding specific toxins. However, there are many bogus nutritionists around, so it is important to ask for a referral to a registered dietitian, who will be more experienced in treating allergy sufferers. Also, be aware that some nutritional products are unsuitable for certain types of allergy sufferers, such as Royal Jelly, which is not recommended for those affected by asthma.
As highlighted above, while certain complementary therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy may help some children with allergies, there is limited evidence in this area. Also, complementary therapies which include aromatherapy, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and homeopathy, are unsuitable in an emergency, such as when a child is suffering anaphylaxis.
Source:
Goldman, V. (2009) Allergies: A Parent's Guide Peterborough: Need 2 Know
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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