Hay Fever Driving You Crazy? How Acupuncture Can Help 🌿

Spring in Melbourne is beautiful… and brutal if you suffer from hay fever. Sneezing, itchy eyes, a blocked or runny nose, and brain fog – it can feel like your whole day is ruled by pollen.

At our clinic, we see many patients who are tired of relying solely on antihistamines and nasal sprays, or who still have symptoms even with medication. Acupuncture offers a gentle, drug-free option that can sit alongside your usual care – and there’s growing research to back it up.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

• What hay fever actually is

• How acupuncture may help (in both Western and Chinese medicine terms)

• What the research says (with peer-reviewed references)

• What to expect in a treatment plan

  
  

Note: This information is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with your GP or healthcare provider about your situation.

Understanding Hay Fever

What Is Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when your immune system overreacts to harmless particles such as pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal dander. This reaction triggers inflammation in the nasal passages and can cause:

• Sneezing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Itchy nose, throat, or eyes

• Watery eyes

• Post-nasal drip, cough, sore throat

• Fatigue, foggy head, poor sleep

  
  

For some people, hay fever also worsens asthma or sinus issues.

Conventional treatments usually include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops, and sometimes immunotherapy. These can be very effective, but not everyone gets full relief, and some people experience side effects like drowsiness or dryness. That’s where acupuncture can play a complementary role.

How Can Acupuncture Help Hay Fever?

From a Western Medicine Perspective

Modern research suggests acupuncture may help hay fever by:

• Modulating immune responses and inflammatory pathways (for example, affecting IgE, cytokines, and mast cells)

• Reducing nasal inflammation and congestion

• Improving regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which is involved in nasal airflow and mucous production

  
  

Clinical studies have found that acupuncture can improve nasal symptoms and quality of life, and in some cases, reduce the need for antihistamine medication.

From a Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese medicine, hay fever is often seen as a combination of:

• “Wei qi” (defensive qi) weakness – similar to lowered resistance

• Wind + Cold/Heat invading the Lung and nose

• Underlying imbalances in the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems

  
  

Treatment is tailored to the individual but may focus on:

• Strengthening the body’s defensive qi

• Opening and clearing the nasal passages

• Calming itching and irritation

• Supporting digestion and overall resilience

  
  

Acupuncture points on the face, hands, feet, and body are chosen based on your pattern of symptoms, not just the diagnosis of “hay fever.”

What Does the Research Say?

There has been a significant amount of research on acupuncture for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines.

1. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that acupuncture:

• Improved nasal symptoms and disease-specific quality of life

• Was superior to no treatment or sham acupuncture

• Had similar effectiveness to antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine in some studies

  
  

Another meta-analysis of 39 trials (3433 participants) reported that various acupuncture methods (body acupuncture, moxibustion, etc.) were superior to sham acupuncture for reducing nasal symptoms and improving rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life scores.

A broader evidence summary from RMIT University reviewing randomised trials noted that body acupuncture was more effective than conventional medicines for relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms in several studies and was generally safe.

2. Randomised Controlled Trials

Several high-quality RCTs have shown benefits such as:

• Reduced nasal symptoms and eye symptoms

• Improved quality of life scores

• Lower use of antihistamine medication after a course of acupuncture

  
  

In one large trial of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, those receiving acupuncture plus routine care had greater improvements in disease-specific quality of life and used fewer antihistamines than those receiving sham acupuncture or medication alone after 8 weeks.

Other trials have suggested that short, intensive courses (for example, 10–12 sessions over a few weeks) can significantly reduce nasal and eye symptoms in persistent or perennial allergic rhinitis.

3. Clinical Practice Guidelines

Acupuncture is increasingly being recognised in formal guidelines:

• Clinical practice guidelines for allergic rhinitis treatment with acupuncture outline clear diagnosis and treatment principles and recommend acupuncture as a therapeutic option where trained practitioners are available.

• International and national guidelines for allergic rhinitis now list acupuncture as an evidence-based complementary therapy, particularly for patients who prefer non-drug approaches or who have incomplete relief with medications.

  
  

Overall, the evidence suggests that acupuncture is a reasonable, low-risk option to help manage hay fever, particularly as part of an integrated plan with your GP or specialist.

What to Expect at Our Clinic

1. Initial Consultation

Your first visit includes:

• Detailed medical history (hay fever triggers, seasonality, other allergies, asthma, sinus issues, medications)

• Chinese medicine assessment (pulse, tongue, symptom pattern)

• Discussion of goals: e.g. fewer sneezing attacks, less congestion, better sleep, reduced medication use

  
  

Together we’ll decide if acupuncture is suitable for you, and if needed, we may suggest you also see your GP or an allergy specialist.

2. Treatment Plan

A typical hay fever plan might look like:

Acute/Seasonal Support:

• 1–2 sessions per week for 4–6 weeks at the start or peak of your allergy season

  
  

Maintenance/Prevention:

• Fortnightly or monthly sessions during peak seasons, or a short pre-season “tune-up”

  
  

Where appropriate, we may also discuss:

• Simple acupressure points you can press at home

• Nasal rinses, lifestyle advice, and, if you wish, herbal medicine options (always discussed in the context of your current medications)

  
  

3. During a Treatment

• Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted at specific points on the body and face

• Most people feel a mild, dull ache, warmth, or heaviness – usually not sharp pain

• You’ll then rest for 20–30 minutes, often feeling quite relaxed or even sleepy

  
  

Many patients notice:

• Less nasal congestion

• Reduced sneezing and itchiness

• Improved sleep and energy

  
  

after a short course of sessions, although individual responses do vary.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Hay Fever?

When performed by a qualified, registered practitioner, acupuncture is generally very safe. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight bruising or soreness at needle sites.

Current studies and evidence reviews report that acupuncture for allergic rhinitis is well tolerated, with serious adverse events being rare.

We always:

• Take a thorough medical history

• Work alongside your GP and specialists

• Avoid asking you to stop any prescribed medications without medical advice

  
  
  
  

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture may be worth considering if:

• You experience troubling hay fever symptoms each year

• Medications give incomplete relief or cause side effects

• You prefer a more natural, whole-person approach

• You want to support your immune system and overall wellbeing, not just “turn off” symptoms

  
  

Everyone’s situation is different, so the best way to know is to book a consultation and discuss your history, triggers, and goals in detail.

Ready to Breathe Easier This Hay Fever Season?

If hay fever is ruling your spring and summer, acupuncture could be a gentle, evidence-informed way to help you get your life back.

📞 You can contact our clinic to discuss whether acupuncture is suitable for you, or to book an appointment. We’re happy to work alongside your GP, allergist, or ENT specialist as part of a holistic, patient-centred care plan.

Key References (Peer-Reviewed)

1. He, M. et al. Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2022.

2. Yin, Z. et al. Acupuncture methods for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2020.

3. Brinkhaus, B. et al. Acupuncture in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized trial. 2013.

4. Xue, C.C. et al. Acupuncture for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized, sham-controlled trial. 2015.

5. Chen, S. et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment With Acupuncture. 2021.

6. RMIT University – Evidence summary: Chinese medicine for allergic rhinitis. 2024.