Acupuncture for Allergies
Allergic rhinitis—commonly known as hay fever—can be a frustrating condition, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. While conventional treatments such as antihistamines and nasal sprays provide relief for many, there are some side effects that some people are not willing to put up with such as: drowsiness, dry eyes, vision disturbances, cough or sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, low blood pressure and/or fatigue. (Cleveland Clinic )
Some doctors and pharmacists are now being more cautious with the long term use of antihistamines because there have been correlations with long-term use of certain antihistamines to dementia. This is due to the possibility that they [antihistamines] might interfere with a specific brain neurotransmitter or could be promoting brain inflammation. Over the past decade, some studies have linked these drugs to a higher risk of dementia, while others have found no association. (Harvard Health)
Due to the above information, many people seek more natural or complementary treatments like acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine for their seasonal allergies.
According to a narrative review on the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, by McDonald, et. al in 2013, studies suggest that acupuncture may improve clinical outcomes for individuals with allergic rhinitis. There is still much to be learned about the exact mechanisms behind its anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture has been successful in modulating immune responses in the upper airways, thus alleviating allergy symptoms in many people. It is thought that acupuncture might regulate certain neuropeptides—both opioid and non-opioid—as well as key inflammatory molecules, including Th2 cytokines and proinflammatory cytokines. By influencing these pathways, acupuncture could potentially restore balance in the immune system, shifting the response from an allergy-prone (Th2-dominant) state to a more balanced Th1 response. This shift may help reduce inflammation and, in turn, ease symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Though researchers want to learn more about how or why acupuncture works, the treatment does serve as a valuable addition in the management of seasonal allergies.
A 2015 systemic review (Feng et. al) and meta-analysis on acupuncture and allergic rhinitis concluded that acupuncture was a safe and valid way to treat allergic rhinitis.
A 2012 randomized control trial of over 200 patients (Choi et. al) showed that symptoms of allergic rhinitis significantly improved after treatment. In this study the patients received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks.
A 2013 randomized trial conducted on over 400 patients with seasonal allergies to birch and pollen (Brinkhaus et. al) . This study looked at the use of medication in addition to acupuncture. Participants received acupuncture for 8 weeks and showed significant improvements compared to those who received medication only. Those who received acupuncture continued to retain benefits for up to 8 weeks after finishing the course of treatment, but no further improvements after 16 weeks after course of treatment.
After looking at the studies and what I’ve seen in my clinic population, those considering acupuncture for allergies should expect to receive acupuncture 2-3 times per week for the duration that they are exposed to allergens for at least 8-10 visits. Treatment effects can last afterwards for approximately 5-8 weeks, in which, if exposures persist to continue another course of treatments 2-3 times per week. Treatment results will vary depending on an individual’s severity of allergy symptoms, their unique immune responses, whether or not they are taking allergy medications or using inhalers, as well as environmental and seasonal exposures. Starting acupuncture treatment at least two weeks before symptoms begin has also seemed to be beneficial.
Written by Dr. Emily Grace Siy, L.Ac., DACM on 4/3/25, published on 4/13/25
Use the code ‘PREPARE’ for $20 off an already discounted acupuncture 3 pack
You might also be interested in reading: 5 Chinese Herbs for Coughing, 5 Benefits of Echinacea, Sinus Congestion, Coughs and Colds
Sources
Brinkhaus, B., Ortiz, M., Witt, C. M., Roll, S., Linde, K., Pfab, F., Niggemann, B., & Willich, S. N. (2013). Acupuncture in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 158(4), 225–234.
Feng, S., Han, M., & Li, H. (2015). Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 29(1), 33–41.
McDonald, J. L., Cripps, A. W., Smith, P. K., Smith, C. A., Xue, C. C., & Golianu, B. (2013). The anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture and their relevance to allergic rhinitis: A narrative review and proposed model. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 591796.
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Antihistamines: Uses, types, and side effects. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved [4/13/25], from clevelandclinic.org
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, November 1). Should I worry about dementia risk from antihistamines? Harvard Health. health.harvard.edu