Blade of grass with pollen allergen 01 Jul 2023

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Can acupuncture help hay fever sufferers?
Blade of grass with pollen allergen

 

It’s that time of year again – hay fever season is upon us

Some of us have already been suffering from various tree pollens, others may just be starting to feel the effects of grass and weed pollen. If you suffer with seasonal allergic rhinitis it’s a good idea to check a pollen calendar for your area, such as this one which looks at pollen counts here in the East of England and across the country.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the most common immunological disease affecting 10–15% of children and 26% of adults in the UK (GK Scadding et al, 2017). Allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis can make life miserable and should not be underestimated. Risk of depression in allergic rhinitis suffers (including perennial allergic rhinitis) is between 20 – 40% (Mou, Ya-Kui et al, 2022). Allergic rhinitis can trigger depression (Nian-Sheng Tzeng et al, 2018).

With hay fever on the rise, apparently having trebled in the last 20 years (Lee, 2003) you may be wondering what you can do if you wish to avoid the many symptoms associated with this illness?

Acupuncture may be helpful

Recent clinical trials have shown that acupuncture is effective in the symptomatic treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis (Xue CC et al, 2007).  Acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits when used alongside routine care (Brinkhaus B et al, 2008). In the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis in children, acupuncture was effective in reducing symptom free days, and more effective than sham acupuncture (Ng DK et al, 2004).

The results from systematic reviews are mixed. A review looking at ear acupuncture for allergic rhinitis found it was as effective as body acupuncture in the short term, and more effective than antihistamines in the long term. However, due to the low quality of research the benefits are unknown (Zhang CS et al, 2010). Another review found efficacy for perennial but not seasonal rhinitis (Lee MS et al. 2009). A review from Xiao L et al, 2009 review found acupuncture and moxibustion to be effective. However due to the low quality of research a firm conclusion could not be drawn. And one more review was unable to draw firm conclusion due to insufficient evidence (Roberts J et al, 2008).

 

 

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions

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Easing Tummy Pain with Acupuncture

Tuesday is for Teenagers with Tummy Pain

Acupuncture Awareness Week 2017

Man in pain holding stomach.
 

Billy, an 11 year old, came for acupuncture treatment suffering with tummy pain, nausea and headaches. He had been examined by his GP who had found nothing wrong. The first thing to improve was his headaches, which were often accompanied by a feeling of frustration. By his 4th treatment the tummy pain and nausea had also improved. Treatment duration was shorter than for an adult to accommodate a teenage boy who might find it hard to sit still, and while Billy was a little nervous during his first appointment, when he realised how gentle the treatments where he soon became an acupuncture pro.

Children and adolescents under 16 are always accompanied by parents or guardians for their treatments. Want to find out more? 

Call Today to Arrange a Free Phone Consultation

T: 07582 684 756 E: hello@sunnyjaspal.com


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Woman in grimacing holding painful back 08 Sep 2015

BY: Sunny Jaspal

Acupuncture / Blog / Conditions / Massage

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Easing Pain Caused By Poor Desk Posture

Woman in grimacing holding painful back

One of the most common complaints people seek treatment for is back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. In fact more sick days are taken due to pain than any other ailment. Why do so many of us suffer with these conditions and what can we do to manage and prevent them?

Many of the people I treat are office workers, often sitting for long hours and working at computers. Poor posture, poor office ergonomics and working without breaks is a recipe for pain. This type of injury is often classed as a repetitive strain injury (or RSI) and may also include the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. These problems may arise in any situation (not just at a desk) where bad posture is sustained.

Back, shoulder or neck pain can also be caused by depression, anxiety and stress. Sometimes there is no clear cause of pain. However, it still remains a very real problem that needs treatment.

Tips for Easing Pain

Standing woman demonstrating good posture and bad posture

  • Maintain correct sitting posture when working at your computer.
  • Ensure the top of your screen is at eye level so you head is in a neutral position. If you work at a laptop then consider using a laptop riser.
  • Elbows should have a 90-degree bend so that the tops of your arms are relaxed by your side, with your keyboard and mouse within easy and comfortable reach. Laptop users consider using an external keyboard.
  • Feet should be flat on the floor (use a footrest if they do not reach) and knees and hips should have a 90-degree bend.
  • Sit upright in a relaxed posture, using cushions to support your lower back if needed.
  • Take regular breaks – use this as an excuse to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Manage stress, depression and anxiety with self-care. Talk to your GP if you need help and consider other treatment methods such as acupuncture and counselling.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is great for easing pain. It is recommended by NICE for chronic pain, one of only four treatments recommended! Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment, which uses slim, sterile and painless needles to gently encourage the body’s ability to heal itself. Acupuncture treatments include massage, cupping and heat therapy such as moxibustion or heat lamps if appropriate. Each treatment lasts an hour, and a course of 6 treatments is recommended. 

Want to find out more?