I don’t know about you, but my allergies are killing me this spring. I’ve been playing a lot of golf and the pollen is all over the place.

The worst of the spring allergy season is behind us and I am thankful. But many people are still suffering, especially in regions with large fluctuation in temperature and precipitation where allergies can flare up just when you think you’re in the clear.

Midway through June, Victoria acupuncturists are still busy treating people who are sneezing, have itchy eyes and sinus headaches. They could be golfers, cyclists, gardeners or anyone enjoying their favorite activity outdoors.

The best way to help yourself is learn some self-care techniques for when your allergies act up. Here are five tips that can do just that.

#1 – Wash your Hands

Sounds really easy, right? It is. Put down the flowers. Step away from the flowers and now go wash your hands!

It can be tempting to handle beautiful flowers in your garden in the spring, but this can lead to your allergies acting up. That’s because pollen easily attaches to our hands, even just through the spring breeze.

5 Self-Care Tips From Acupuncturists For Late-Spring Allergies

#2 – Poke your Face

Did you know there is seven acupuncture points? Six of them are located on your face. Poking them can work wonders for relieving your spring allergies.

You might have to do this alone or at home if you get embarrassed easily. People might think you’ve gone crazy as well, which is not a good thing.

#3 – Use essential Oils

You can try massaging your sinus area with essential oils. Rubbing eucalyptus or peppermint oil into your hands and then massaging the area between your eyebrows is a great way to relive some of the symptoms.

 #4 – Be Prepared With Extra Clothing

You may not know it, but you might suffer from hay fever because of intolerance to temperature changes. During allergy season always keep an extra layer like a fleece sweater handy for when you start sneezing. Putting it on when you are having a sneezing attack might help you big time.

#5 – Eat Cleaner Foods

Eating cleanly is especially important during allergy season. Be sure to stay away from refined carbs, dairy and white sugar, which can really kill your immune system.  For many of you it might be all about limiting or eliminating dairy intake entirely. Dairy will increase the mucus and phlegm that allergies cause.

If you need acupuncture Victoria, be sure to check out Cook Street Village Health Centre and their team of qualified acupuncturists.