Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergies: What the Research Shows

Acupuncture is one of the most studied complementary treatments for hay fever. The largest trial, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2013, found that acupuncture modestly improved quality of life and reduced antihistamine use compared with sham acupuncture, though the authors said the improvements may not be clinically significant. U.S. ear, nose and throat guidelines list it as an option for people who want a non-drug approach.

This guide summarizes the evidence, what a course of treatment involves, safety, and how acupuncture fits alongside standard allergy care. For more, see our allergy treatment guides.

Jump to: Quick answer · The evidence · What guidelines say · What to expect · Safety · How it fits with other care · FAQ

Quick answer

• Some benefit, modest size: in a 422-person trial, acupuncture beat sham acupuncture and antihistamine alone after 8 weeks, but the gains were small and faded by 16 weeks.
• Guidelines allow it: the American Academy of Otolaryngology says clinicians may offer acupuncture to people with allergic rhinitis who want non-drug therapy.
• Safe when done right: the NIH says relatively few complications are reported when sterile, single-use needles are used by a trained practitioner.
• Not a replacement for nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines or allergy shots and tablets, which have stronger evidence.

What the research shows

Note that the 2004 study combined acupuncture with herbal medicine, so it can’t show which part helped. The larger 2013 trial tested acupuncture on its own and is the stronger evidence.

What guidelines say

The 2015 clinical practice guideline on allergic rhinitis from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation states that clinicians may offer acupuncture, or refer patients to someone who can, for people with allergic rhinitis who are interested in nonpharmacologic therapy. The same guideline made no recommendation about herbal therapy.

What to expect from treatment

• A course, not a single visit: trials used weekly or more frequent sessions over 6 to 8 weeks.
• Fine needles are inserted into the skin and may be turned by hand or stimulated with a small electrical current.
• Timing: since the large trial’s benefit faded after treatment stopped, ask the practitioner how they plan treatment around your pollen season.
• Cost: check whether your insurance covers acupuncture, since a full course means many visits.

Safety

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH):

• Relatively few complications have been reported, mostly linked to nonsterile needles or improper technique.
• When not done properly, acupuncture can cause serious problems such as infections, punctured organs and nerve injury.
• The FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and labeled for single use only.
• Most states license acupuncturists, but requirements vary.
• Tell your doctors about any complementary treatments, and don’t use acupuncture to delay seeing a provider about a health problem.

How acupuncture fits with standard allergy care

Acupuncture’s benefits in trials were modest. Standard treatments, such as nasal steroid sprays, newer antihistamines and immunotherapy, have stronger evidence. Many people use acupuncture alongside them rather than instead of them. In the 2013 trial, everyone could use an antihistamine as needed.

For the main options, see allergy tablets vs allergy shots, saline rinses and pollen avoidance. Wondering about other alternatives? Read does a salt water gargle help?

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

Does acupuncture work for seasonal allergies?

It may help a little. The largest trial found small improvements in quality of life and antihistamine use after 8 weeks compared with sham acupuncture, but the authors said the gains may not be clinically significant.

How many acupuncture sessions do you need for allergies?

Trials used courses of weekly or more frequent sessions over 6 to 8 weeks; the large trial used 12 sessions. Benefits faded after treatment stopped.

Is acupuncture safe?

Relatively few complications are reported when a trained practitioner uses sterile, single-use needles, according to the NIH. Improper technique can cause infections or injuries.

Can acupuncture replace allergy medicine?

The evidence doesn’t support replacing proven treatments. Talk to your doctor about using acupuncture alongside your usual care.

Do doctors recommend acupuncture for allergies?

The American Academy of Otolaryngology guideline says clinicians may offer it to people with allergic rhinitis who want a non-drug option.

Sources

• Brinkhaus B, Ortiz M, Witt CM, et al. Acupuncture in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(4):225-234.
• Brinkhaus B, Hummelsberger J, Kohnen R, et al. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Allergy. 2004;59(9):953-960.
• Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1 Suppl):S1-S43.
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: what you need to know. Updated October 2022.

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.