For hay fever, treatment typically involves weekly sessions during allergy season, with points such as LI4 (Hegu, on the hand), LI20 (Yingxiang, near the nose), and ST36 (Zusanli, on the leg) commonly used. Some patients combine it with antihistamines for a hybrid approach, while others use it as a standalone therapy. Side effects are minimal—mild bruising or soreness at needle sites—but it’s not a quick fix; benefits often build over multiple sessions.

Acupuncture offers a intriguing option for managing hay fever and similar allergies, supported by a growing body of research showing short-term symptom relief and immune modulation.


2013 Study in Annals of Internal Medicine
A landmark randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 422 participants with allergic rhinitis found that acupuncture, when added to routine care, led to statistically significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared to sham acupuncture or no acupuncture. After 8 weeks of treatment (12 sessions), patients reported reduced nasal congestion and less reliance on antihistamines. However, the effect size was modest, and benefits diminished after treatment stopped, suggesting it may require ongoing sessions.
2015 Meta-Analysis in The American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy
This analysis reviewed 13 studies and concluded that acupuncture showed promise in reducing nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, with effects comparable to antihistamine use in some cases. The researchers noted consistent short-term benefits but called for larger, longer-term studies to confirm durability and cost-effectiveness.
Mechanistic Insights (2018 Study, Journal of Integrative Medicine)
A smaller study explored acupuncture’s impact on immune markers in allergy sufferers. It found that needling specific points (e.g., LI4, ST36) reduced serum IgE levels—a key antibody in allergic reactions—and downregulated inflammatory pathways. While promising, the sample size was small (n=36), limiting generalizability.
Real-World Evidence
Beyond clinical trials, observational data from acupuncture clinics suggest patient satisfaction is high, particularly for those seeking non-pharmacological options. A 2021 survey by the British Acupuncture Council reported that 79% of hay fever patients noticed symptom improvement after 4-6 sessions, though this lacks the rigor of controlled studies.

More robust, long-term studies are needed to solidify its place in allergy management, but for now, it’s a needle worth considering if pollen’s got you sneezing.