Acupuncture for Sunburn

Summer is on it’s way, and you know what that means – lots of fun in the blaring hot hot sun.

If you are prone to sun burn, then you may want to consider getting a Chinese medicine treatment.

In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) this type of issue is called an external disease because the injury is caused by something outside of the body rather than from internal factors such as poor diet, lack of sleep, or inherent weaknesses. TCM is thousands of years of old and offers some practical, effective, and time-tested remedies for external diseases.

In one study, patients with extensive second-degree burns were treated with acupuncture as part of their post-injury wound care. The study indicated acupuncture reduced shock and pain following the burn and may reduce infection.

In TCM sunburn is considered a summer heat invasion. The condition resembles the common cold with the additional symptoms of a rash.

Sunburn symptoms of acute sunburn include:

  • itching
  • blisters
  • pain
  • redness
  • swelling

These common symptoms may also be accompanied by chills, headache, fever, and nausea.

As the heat from the sun enters the body, it gets trapped in the energy meridians and skin. This trapped heat is often combined with dampness, causing the typical symptoms.

Acupuncture can release the trapped heat from the skin and to soothe the symptoms of burning and pain. (The key, of course, is to take precautions to prevent sunburn in the first place! Remember to ‘slip slop slap’ a broad spectrum sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure from 11am – 3pm.)

sunburn-400x266


Mornington Chinese Medicine, 138 Tanti Avenue.

For appointments please call (03) 59736886

–   CHRISTMAS CLOSURE   –
The clinic will be closed from Wednesday the 21st of December, until Tuesday the 3rd of January.
We look forward to seeing you in the new year.