Acupuncture: The traditional way to fight hay fever

Nothing ruins summer quite like hay fever: itchy eyes, runny nose, not to mention the constant sneezing and sniffing. It can all become a little unbearable, but instead of heading to the medicine counter why not try acupuncture?

Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into the skin and stimulating the body’s own healing process, gently stimulating the healing capability and helping restore it to its natural balance.

Whether you are dealing with hay fever, heat rash or even hives, acupuncture can have a positive effect on your body by regulating the flow of energy, also known in traditional Chinese medicine as “Qi”.

Research has shown that not only is acupuncture safe and effective, but also it reduces the retained heat that causes many of the above. In these summer months, skin conditions can worsen but by attending a number of acupuncture sessions your skin could be feeling fresh and cool in no time.

The practitioner will ask you a few questions in regards to your lifestyle such as what your diet is like and how regular your sleep pattern is. They are also likely to check your tongue and feel your pulse; this is to ensure they have everything covered and can discover what will be the best procedure for you. The number of sessions you undergo will all depend on how long you have had the skin condition and what level it is at, but evidence shows that acupuncture is an efficient and practical procedure with promising results.

Emily-Rose Vierke

You can find out where you closest acupuncturist is by calling the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or by taking a quick look at their website here.