What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites, mould spores, or animal dander. While many people associate hay fever with springtime pollen, the truth is that hay fever is always in season — different triggers can affect people all year round, not just during peak flowering periods.

Hay fever affects the upper respiratory system, and while it’s not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life, energy, and sleep.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), approximately 15% of Australians, or around 3.1 million people, suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), making it one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in the country.

Hay fever can occur seasonally or persist throughout the year, depending on individual sensitivities and environmental exposures. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mould spores, and air pollutants.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever symptoms vary in intensity and may include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, ears, or palate
• Post-nasal drip or dry cough
• Headaches or facial pressure
• Difficulty concentrating or fatigue (“hay fever brain fog”)

Symptoms often worsen in the early morning, in windy conditions, or after exposure to specific triggers.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, such as pollen or dust. The body produces histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in response, resulting in the classic symptoms of an allergy.

While genetics plays a role, lifestyle and environmental factors — such as diet, stress, indoor air quality, and immune system resilience — also influence how the body responds to allergens.

Research on acupuncture for hay fever

A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture is a safe and effective approach for managing hay fever. Clinical studies have found that acupuncture can:

• Reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching
• Decrease the need for antihistamines
• Improve sleep and overall well-being
• Provide lasting relief across allergy seasons

For example, a 2015 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that participants who received acupuncture experienced significant improvement in their hay fever symptoms compared to those receiving standard care.

How does acupuncture help with hay fever?

In Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), hay fever is seen as an imbalance in the body’s internal defences — particularly the Lung and Wei (defensive) Qi, which help protect the body from external pathogens.

Acupuncture aims to:

• Regulate the immune response
• Strengthen Lung and Kidney function
• Clear nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure
• Restore internal balance to reduce allergic sensitivity

Each treatment is tailored to the individual, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying patterns contributing to the condition.

Chinese herbal medicine for hay fever

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine offers a highly effective, natural option for hay fever relief, especially for those with chronic or recurring symptoms.

Herbal formulas can be prescribed to:

• Clear heat and inflammation
• Expel wind (a metaphor for external triggers)
• Strengthen the immune system
• Relieve nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and throat irritation
• Reduce histamine response without causing drowsiness

Because formulas are personalised, they can also address other contributing factors, such as digestion, fatigue, or stress, which may be weakening the body’s ability to regulate its allergic response.

The bottom line

Hay fever can be exhausting, especially when it drags on beyond spring and into everyday life. If you’re looking for a gentle, effective, and drug-free solution, consider Traditional East Asian Medicine modalities such as acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, which offer a time-tested approach that treats both the symptoms and the root cause.

Whether your allergies are seasonal or persistent, support is available. Book a consultation today to explore how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help you breathe easier, year-round. If you are considering acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine for hay fever, here are some details about your local AHPRA-registered practitioner.

Book your appointment today or reach out with any questions that you might have.