Acupuncture, Herbs, & Tea for VOG
The VOG (volcano off-gas) has been relentless here in Hawai’i as Kīlauea has continued to erupt weekly since December 2024.
This volcanic off-gas contains sulfur and other irritants that can contribute to headaches, sinus problems, coughing/wheezing, itchy irritated eyes, and an overall feeling of fogginess.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms and discomfort from VOG, you may want to avoid any extended or rigorous outdoor activities and stay inside.
Tips to alleviate VOG symptoms
-For headache, stuffiness, pressure, irritated throat, nasal congestion: simply take an ice pack, cold pack wrapped in a towel, or cold towel and lay it over your face or on top of your head.
-For irritated sinuses, a steam inhalation feels wonderful. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a drop or two of eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender essential oil, drape a towel over your head to create a “tent” and stand over the pot and inhale gently. Be careful not to stand too close or you’ll burn your nose hairs!
-Utilize native herbs like mamaki, uhaloa, loquat fruit & leaf which are soothing to the throat and support overall wellness. If you’re a DIY kind of person, you can forage for these herbs as long as you make sure you properly identify them and avoid high-traffic areas where the plants might suck up pollution.
-My newest blend, VOG tea, has herbs to support the respiratory system like mullein, horehound, hyssop, lobelia, peppermint, and one of my local favorites, mamaki. This blend is available through my Etsy shop in small batches. Order some VOG tea to have on hand for any exposure to VOG or other irritating types of smoke (barbeques, wild fires, you name it…)
Acupuncture for lung support
-Zhongfu (LU-1) is the alarm point for the Lungs. Alarm points in acupuncture may be sore to light pressure when an Organ might be “off-balance”. This acupuncture point is located about 1 inch below the very end of the collarbones. Use acupressure and gently tap on this point for lung disorders, chest pain, excess Phlegm, or difficulty breathing.
-Feishu (UB-13) this is the back-shu acupuncture point for the Lungs. The location is approximately 1.5 inches from the bottom of the 3rd thoracic vertebrae. It is anatomically located right over the Lungs, and care must be used to avoid puncturing the Lung. This is why working with a trained and licensed acupunturist is highly recommended (rather than those who practice dry needling after taking a weekend course).
-Tanzhong (REN-17) is an influential point of Qi (energy) and is located in the center of the chest, in line with the nipple. Using this acupressure point can help “open” the chest and may help alleviate respiratory symptoms along with anxiety and palpitations.
Of course, there are many other herbs, acupuncture points, and remedies to soothe discomfort from VOG. If you’re unsure of where to start or feel drawn to working with Chinese medicine, let’s work together! My job is to tailor your herbs and treatments to specifically fit your needs.
Sending healing Qi,
Meghane Hernandez - Maui Acupuncturist and Herbalist
