Acupuncture can effectively treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and many other allergies.

Acupuncture treatment provides relief from the annoying symptoms of allergies such as itchy, runny nose and constant sneezing. Most often, it is best to begin acupuncture sessions 6 weeks or so before the allergy season begins. Treatment once a week is usually sufficient and is often supplemented by herbal medicine. Treating in the remissions stage (when symptoms are not present) can help prepare the body. Most often this means building the 'defensive qi and lung qi' and treating any underlying deficiencies.

Acupuncture can also be used in the acute stage of hay fever when symptoms develop to help clear up nasal congestion and other irritating symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing.

In a recent study, people with hay fever received acupuncture (once a week) and a Chinese herbs to address allergic symptoms. After 6 weeks, people who received the acupuncture and herbal treatment noticed an 85 percent improvement on a "global assessment of change" scale compared to 40 percent in the control group (who were receiving 'sham acupuncture' and non-therapeutic herbs.)

In another similar study, 72 children with hay fever received either acupuncture (twice a week) or sham acupuncture. After eight weeks, the real acupuncture was more effective at improving symptoms and was associated with more symptom-free days compared to sham acupuncture.