Acupuncture for Hay fever

Proven natural therapy to combat Allergic Rhinitis

When you have allergic rhinitis, the immune system incorrectly identifies some harmless irritants as a threat. As a result, you release a cocktail of substances that create inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Once the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed, nerves within it also release inflammatory neuropeptides.

These neuropeptides escalate the inflammation further resulting in itching, sneezing, sniffling, runny and blocked nose. The hypersensitive nose will then react to a whole host of irritants such as perfume, smoke, in changes in temperature or humidity.

Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation and reducing sensitivity to allergens by downregulating nasal nerves sensitivity. Furthermore, it increases the natural antihistamines produced by your body. In other words, it trains the body that allergens are not an enemy.

See what patients say Meet the team Book an appointment

Why should you consider acupuncture for hay fever?

  • Effective

    Acupuncture is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Additionally, in studies, this natural treatment is significantly more effective than medication.

  • Natural

    Acupuncture  does not interfere with your body’s natural balance, instead it helps to restore it.

  • Reduces or eliminates need of antihistamines

    In a study conducted by researchers from Germany, approximately 38% of patients receiving acupuncture did not have to use any antihistamine compared to only 16% who tried rescue medication (placebo).

“acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Acupuncture’s lack of side-effects is a distinct advantage in treating hayfever”

World Health Organisation

How acupuncture helps with Hay fever

Acupuncture alters the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. It regulates the blood flow and restores the body’s natural antihistamine production, as well as modulates the mucosal immune response in the upper airway.

Unlike the medication, acupuncture doesn’t mask hay fever symptoms. Studies show that it has the potential to restore healthy reactions to allergens. You can say that acupuncture trains your body that allergens are not an enemy. It works is a little bit like exercise, and because you don’t get super-strong after a session at the gym, you need time for changes to happen.

“There are high-quality randomised controlled trials that demonstrate efficacy and effectiveness for acupuncture in the treatment of both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.”

Malcolm Taw, Associate Clinical Professor at University of California *referenc

Hay fever

What hay fever symptoms acupuncture can help with?

Symptoms showing the greatest improvement included:

  • sneezing,
  • itchy nose,
  • itchy eyes,
  • runny nose,
  • blocked nose,
  • interrupted sleep.

Our approach

Through years of practice, we found that hay fever and sinusitis respond the best when we combine acupuncture with low-intensity infra-red impulse laser. Gentle rays of laser penetrate through the tissues and stimulate the acupuncture points as well as the nasal lining directly, leading to a more immediate response.

You won’t find treatment for hay fever and sinusitis that is so gentle yet so effective. And you won’t find a treatment that is less invasive and yet the stimulation target the affected tissues.

Listen to interview with Dr John McDonald PhD about his research on symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis and acupuncture.