Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Spring Allergies

Lifestyle · April 2025

As the flowers bloom and trees awaken, many people feel energized by spring’s renewal. But for others, this season brings an unwelcome guest: spring allergies. Runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, sinus congestion, and fatigue can make this vibrant time of year feel like a constant struggle.

While over-the-counter medications provide temporary relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural, long-term solution by treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. Acupuncture, in combination with Chinese herbal medicine and dietary guidance, can help restore balance to the body and build resistance to allergens.

Why Spring Triggers Allergies in TCMIn TCM, spring is governed by the Liver and Lung meridians. The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi (energy), while the Lungs control our defensive energy or Wei Qi, which protects the body from external pathogens like pollen, dust, and mold.

When Liver Qi becomes stagnant—often due to stress, lack of sleep, or an imbalanced diet—it can overflow and disrupt the Lungs, leading to symptoms such as:

• Sneezing

• Red, itchy, watery eyes

• Sinus pressure and congestion

• Brain fog and fatigue

• Coughing and post-nasal drip

• This internal imbalance can make the immune system overly reactive to harmless environmental triggers.

  
  

How Acupuncture Helps Spring AllergiesAcupuncture restores harmony by stimulating specific acupoints to regulate immune function, ease inflammation, and support healthy Qi flow through the body.

Here’s how acupuncture supports allergy relief:

✔️ Strengthens Lung Qi – your body’s first line of defense against external allergens

✔️ Calms the immune system – reduces overreaction to pollen, dust, and irritants

✔️ Opens nasal passages – relieves congestion and drains sinuses

✔️ Reduces inflammation – especially in the respiratory tract and sinuses

✔️ Soothes Liver Qi stagnation – calms allergic responses and emotional tension

✔️ Alleviates fatigue – improves energy flow and mental clarity

✔️ Clears brain fog – supports focus and clearer breathing

By working with the body's natural rhythms, acupuncture brings lasting relief, without the side effects of medications.

Acupuncture Points for Allergy Relief (Sinus + Nasal Focus)These points are often used in combination during acupuncture sessions to target nasal congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, headaches, and eye irritation—common symptoms of spring allergies.

DU24 - At the midline of the forehead, just above the hairline

• Calms the spirit and clears the mind

• Opens the sinuses and treats frontal headaches

• Alleviates nasal congestion

Bitong - At the highest point of the nasolabial groove (beside the nose)

• One of the most effective local points for clearing the sinuses

• Opens the nasal passages

• Relieves facial pain, rhinitis, and congestion

Yintang - Between the eyebrows

• Calms the mind

• Opens sinuses and relieves frontal headaches

• Soothes itchy, watery eyes

LI20 - Next to the nostrils

• Opens the nasal passages

• Clears wind and heat from the face

• Relieves sneezing, runny nose, and congestion​

UB2 - At the medial end of the eyebrow

• Alleviates red, itchy, or watery eyes

• Clears sinus pressure and frontal headaches

• Benefits the nose and relieves eye strain

Herbal & Lifestyle SupportIn addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas such as Bi Yan Pian, Yu Ping Feng San, and Xanthium Powder are often prescribed to:

• Dry excess mucus

• Clear heat and wind (terms used in TCM for inflammation and allergens)

• Strengthen Wei Qi (defensive energy)

Nutrition also plays a key role. Avoiding damp-forming foods like dairy, sugar, and fried items can reduce phlegm and congestion.

Instead, eat foods that support Lung and Liver function, such as:

• Pears and radishes (to clear heat)

• Ginger and garlic (to open sinuses)

• Green leafy vegetables (to move stagnant Qi)

Ready to breathe easier?

Sneezing nonstop? Itchy eyes? Brain fog? Spring allergies don't have to control your life.

This season, we’re offering a Spring Allergy Relief Special for new and returning clients:

🔹 20% OFF your initial Acupuncture consultation

🔹 Includes a personalized TCM evaluation

🔹 Optional herbal support plan to boost results

Book your Spring Allergy Relief session today and take advantage of 20% OFF!

Get Ahead of Allergy Season

If allergies are holding you back this spring, don’t wait until symptoms are severe. Acupuncture works best when started at the first sign of symptoms, or even preventatively. With regular sessions and personalized support, you can enjoy the season feeling clear, energized, and allergy-free.

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Booking in-office visits and virtual consultations for wellness, allergies, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional before beginning any proposed treatment or making any changes to your healthcare regimen.