By Dr Qing | Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Struggling with Hayfever in Victoria? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re living in Melbourne or elsewhere in Victoria, you might experience the discomfort of hay fever—especially in spring and summer. Sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked sinuses, and that constant foggy feeling can sometimes affect your quality of life.
Hi, I’m Dr Qing, a registered acupuncturist and herbalist. I help people like you find natural, lasting relief with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—especially when over-the-counter medications just don’t seem to be enough.
Why Is Hayfever So Common in Victoria?
Our beautiful state has some of the highest pollen counts in Australia, particularly during September to December when grass pollen—especially ryegrass—spikes across regional and suburban areas. Add in Melbourne’s famous “four seasons in one day” weather, and it’s the perfect storm for hayfever flare-ups.
A Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese medicine, hayfever is often related to a weakness in your Lung and Wei Qi (defensive energy). When your body’s natural defences are low, external factors like pollen can trigger strong reactions. Some people may also have excess dampness or heat, which can lead to sinus congestion or itchy, watery eyes.
Rather than masking the symptoms, TCM focuses on:
- Calming the body’s response to allergens
- Clearing sinus congestion
- Strengthening your overall immune resilience
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture is one of the most effective natural treatments for hayfever. It’s gentle, relaxing, and works by:
- Reducing inflammation in the nasal passages
- Helping your sinuses drain
- Easing itchy eyes, sneezing, and pressure
- Regulating the immune system’s overreaction to allergens
Many of my patients notice clearer breathing and fewer flare-ups within the first 1–4 sessions—especially when we start treatment before the peak pollen season. Some even become symptom-free within 6–8 sessions.
Herbal Medicine for Ongoing Support
Alongside acupuncture, I often recommend customised herbal formulas to support you between sessions. These are based on your individual constitution and symptoms, and may help with:
- Clearing nasal congestion
- Reducing sinus pressure
- Supporting your lungs and immune system
All herbs are high-quality and prescribed only after a proper consultation to ensure they’re right for you. Unlike antihistamines, they won’t make you drowsy, and they aim to treat the root of the issue—not just the symptoms.
Tips for Managing Hayfever at Home
In addition to treatment at the clinic, here are some simple things you can do to reduce hayfever flare-ups:
- Gently press LI20 and Lu7 acupressure points for 1–2 minutes each day. Watch my video on clearing sinus naturally here: Clear Sinus Video
- Use warm saline rinses to clear your nose
- Avoid raw and cold foods, especially during high pollen days
- Sip warm teas like ginger or cinnamon
- Check the Melbourne Pollen Count app to know when to stay indoors or wear a mask
The Best Time to Start? Before a Flare-Up – But It’s Never Too Late
If you’ve experienced hayfever in the past, the ideal time to start treatment is a few weeks before your usual trigger season (such as spring for pollen). This early support gives your body time to build resilience before a flare-up occurs.
However, it’s never too late to begin. Whether you’re already dealing with sneezing, itchy eyes, or sinus congestion, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can still help ease discomfort and support smoother breathing throughout the year.
Safe for All Ages
I work with both adults and children, and use gentle alternatives like acupressure, gua sha, or other manual techniques suited to younger patients or anyone uncomfortable with needles.
Let’s Help You Breathe Easier
If you’re looking for a natural, drug-free way to manage hayfever, I’d love to support you. You can find me in different locations across Victoria — Ferntree Gully, South Morang, and Geelong — where I’ve helped many patients get through spring and summer with fewer or no symptoms.
If you’d like to experience relief this season, feel free to book an appointment and let’s help you breathe easier naturally.
Click here to read more about your practitioner Dr Qing
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Allergic rhinitis in Australia. AIHW; 2022.
- Davies JM, Erbas B, et al. Rye-grass pollen allergen concentrations in south-east Australia. Aerobiologia. 2015;31:77-85.
- Taylor PE, et al. Thunderstorm asthma epidemic, Melbourne 2016: Pollen dynamics and future risk. PLoS One. 2017;12(6):e0178772.
- Roberts J, Huissoon A. Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD000985.
- Zhang Y, Fan B. Yu Ping Feng San for prophylaxis of allergic rhinitis: Meta-analysis. Chin J Integr Med. 2018;24:690-700.
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