The Microbiome’s Role in Modern Allergy Care
Natural Remedies for Hayfever – A Holistic Approach
Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions of our time – and hay fever affects more and more people every year. While conventional treatments such as antihistamines or desensitisation therapies are widely used, another aspect is increasingly coming into focus: the role of the gut and the microbiome. For those seeking long-term, sustainable hayfever treatment, the Modern Mayr Medicine practised at the Park Igls health retreat offers a holistic approach – supported by state-of-the-art allergy testing and well-founded medical expertise.
Understanding and Differentiating Allergies
Not Every Reaction Is an Allergy
When the immune system overreacts to seemingly harmless environmental substances, we speak of an allergy. In the case of hay fever – a common pollen allergy – it is primarily grass or tree pollen that triggers symptoms such as itching, runny nose or breathing difficulties. But not every reaction is necessarily a true allergy. Intolerances or digestive issues such as fructose malabsorption can cause similar symptoms.
Cutting-Edge Allergy Testing Near Innsbruck
Precise Results, Minimal Effort
One Test, Clear Insights
At Park Igls, we work closely with the renowned Allergy Outpatient Clinic in Hall. A single blood test – the so-called Allergy Explorer – allows for precise analysis of up to 295 allergens. Especially for guests suffering from unclear symptoms or suspecting a grass or pollen allergy, this form of allergy testing near Innsbruck provides a valuable foundation for informed decision-making.
“With our Allergy Explorer, we can test for 295 different allergens using just one blood sample.”
Natural Remedies for Hayfever
Why Home Treatments Alone Often Fall Short
Many people turn to natural hayfever relief options such as nasal rinses, essential oils or herbal extracts. While these natural remedies for hayfever can offer some support, they are no substitute for a comprehensive regulation of the immune system. Only through a more profound shift – for instance as part of a Mayr therapy – can underlying causes be addressed instead of merely treating symptoms.
Pollen Allergies and Naturopathy
Rebalancing Instead of Overload
While conventional medicine focuses on desensitisation, Park Igls follows a different path with Modern Mayr Medicine: rebalancing the immune system. Through conscious nutrition, a measured reduction of irritating substances, and targeted diagnostic procedures, space is created for sustainable regeneration – a gentle way to bring the body back into balance, even when suffering from seasonal allergies or pollen allergies.
Good to Know
Conventional medicine typically treats allergies through hyposensitisation – gradually accustoming the body to the allergen. In contrast, Modern Mayr Medicine strengthens the immune system through holistic intestinal cleansing. At the centre of this approach lies the regeneration of the microbiome – around 70% of immune cells are directly connected to the gut. By reducing to a few well-tolerated foods, practicing mindful chewing, and supplying targeted nutrients, the intestinal environment can recover in a sustainable way.
“We are increasingly seeing that a healthy and diverse microbiome plays a key role in allergy prevention.”
Allergies, the Microbiome and Hayfever Treatment at Park Igls
An Interview with Dr Wanner and Dr Gartner
David Wanner: An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust mites or certain foods. In contrast to a cold, which is caused by a virus and usually clears up within a few days, an allergic reaction tends to occur repeatedly under similar environmental conditions and involves symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing or nasal congestion.
David Wanner: Sensitisation refers to the process by which the immune system becomes overly responsive to a particular substance. This doesn’t always result in symptoms right away, but the body has been primed – meaning future contact with the allergen can trigger an allergic reaction.
Peter Gartner: At Park Igls, we rely on modern allergy testing methods in cooperation with the Allergy Outpatient Clinic in Hall. The Allergy Explorer blood test enables accurate analysis of up to 295 allergens – a powerful tool, especially for patients with unclear symptoms or suspected multiple sensitivities.
David Wanner: At our allergy outpatient clinic, we offer a full range of modern diagnostic tools to detect allergies and intolerances – from the simple skin prick test, commonly used to diagnose hayfever, to highly advanced molecular diagnostics capable of identifying even the most specific allergens.
We recently implemented our own in-vitro Allergy Explorer test on-site, allowing us to analyse 295 different allergens directly in our clinic. In terms of diagnostics, ALEX is currently the gold standard – it can test for everything from airborne allergens like pollen or animal dander to insect venom and food allergens. This enables extremely precise identification of allergies, distinguishing between primary and secondary (so-called cross-) allergies, and assessing how severe – and potentially dangerous – an allergic reaction might be.
It makes a huge difference for our patients whether, for instance, a bee sting could trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic shock or whether eating peanuts causes nothing more than a slight tingling sensation in the mouth.
Peter Gartner: The great advantage for our patients is that the entire comprehensive testing process with the Allergy Explorer requires only a single blood sample. And because the analysis is carried out directly at our allergy outpatient clinic, we usually receive the results within just one day.
Peter Gartner: Between 70 and 80 percent of the immune-competent cells in our body are located in the mucosal lining of the small intestine. The microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating our immune system and is therefore closely linked to the development of allergies. This connection has now been confirmed by numerous university-level studies and international research at the highest scientific standards.
At Park Igls, our primary objective is to support the gut health of our patients. That’s why every stay begins with the Modern Mayr Cure. Whatever benefits the gut also strengthens the immune system as a whole – helping the body respond appropriately to external influences. There’s growing evidence that addressing the connection between hay fever and gut health – and the wider link between allergy and microbiome – offers great potential for sustainable healing.
Peter Gartner: While there is no universal hayfever cure, allergic reactions can be significantly reduced through a combination of desensitisation, gut-focused therapies and lifestyle changes. Our goal is not just symptom control, but sustainable health – often achieved through natural methods and the body's own ability to regulate itself.
Natural Remedies for Hayfever – A Holistic Approach
Whether you’re dealing with a grass allergy, pollen allergy or unexplained symptoms – at Park Igls you’ll receive comprehensive medical care, advanced allergy testing, and a holistic treatment concept tailored to your individual needs. Schedule a consultation or learn more about our personalised health programmes.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Further Reading
Unlocking Longevity: Healthy Aging in Austria's Modern Medical Spa Resort
Health Retreat in the Nature Park at Park Igls
Kneipp Therapy at Park Igls: Healing Rituals That Work
