Acupuncture for Allergies in Reno

What are seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis means your nose reacts to something in the air, such as pollen or dust mites. Hay fever is another name for allergic rhinitis, even though it does not cause a fever. You might sneeze, have a blocked or runny nose, or notice itchy, watery eyes.

Some people have symptoms during pollen seasons. Others deal with a stuffy or itchy nose throughout the year. An allergist can help you work out which triggers matter most, especially if symptoms affect your sleep or daily life.

Acupuncture for allergies has been studied mainly for these nose and eye symptoms. It has not been shown to prevent dangerous reactions to foods or medicines.

What are the benefits of acupuncture for allergies?

Clinical studies found that some people with allergic rhinitis felt better after acupuncture:

• A 2025 trial found lower sneezing and runny-nose scores when acupuncture was added to standard care.
• In a 2015 randomized study, sneezing and itching of the ears and roof of the mouth improved.
• A 2015 review of 13 trials reported better nasal symptom scores.
• A 2013 study found better allergy-related quality of life after eight weeks.

The goal of acupuncture for allergies is symptom relief. These are measured changes, not proof that acupuncture removes an allergy. Your regular allergy care still matters, even when your symptoms improve.

What does research say about acupuncture and hay fever?

Research on acupuncture for allergies includes trials and an analysis that combines study results. These are four useful findings, newest first:

• In a 2025 trial of 51 people, adding acupuncture to usual treatment reduced runny-nose and sneezing scores more than usual treatment alone.
• A 2015 randomized study of 175 people reported less sneezing and itching, plus better quality of life, after real acupuncture compared with pretend acupuncture.
• A 2015 review of 13 trials, involving 2,365 people, found better nasal symptom scores and lower allergy medicine-use scores in acupuncture groups.
• In a 2013 study of 422 people, acupuncture improved allergy-related quality of life and medicine-use scores after eight weeks.

Pretend acupuncture is a comparison procedure designed to resemble needling, so researchers can test whether the real treatment makes a difference.

The results are mixed. Some improvements were small, and the 2013 trial found no difference after 16 weeks. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says some randomized trials suggest acupuncture may improve allergic rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. Its guidance also notes limits in the evidence.

What happens at an acupuncture visit for allergies?

The practitioner will usually start by asking about your sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. Mention whether symptoms happen mainly outdoors, around animals, or at certain times of year. They may also ask about any allergy tests or treatment you already use.

Thin, sterile, single-use needles are then placed at selected points. You may feel a brief pinch or a dull sensation. Tell the practitioner promptly if you feel faint, uncomfortable, or worried.

Before the visit, it helps to share a few details:

• Your allergy and asthma diagnoses, including any past severe reactions.
• All prescribed medicines, inhalers, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
• Pregnancy, bleeding problems, blood-thinning medicines, or a tendency to faint.
• Your main symptoms and what you want to track between visits.

The Reno first-visit guide explains the usual appointment process in more detail.

How many visits did allergy studies use?

Two seasonal allergy trials used 12 acupuncture sessions, but over different lengths of time:

• 2015 trial: 12 sessions over 4 weeks.
• 2013 trial: 12 sessions over 8 weeks.

The researchers chose these treatment lengths for their own studies, so your plan may differ. A practitioner may suggest something different based on your symptoms and health needs. Before booking a course, agree on how you will track sneezing, congestion, and daily comfort.

Who needs extra precautions?

Tell your acupuncturist about your health and medicines before treatment. These situations need extra care:

• Asthma: Keep taking controller medicines and use your reliever as directed in your asthma plan. Acupuncture is not a substitute for inhalers.
• Allergy medicines: Do not stop antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other treatments without your clinician’s advice.
• Food and drug allergies: Acupuncture does not treat these allergies. Keep following your allergist’s advice and emergency plan.
• Older adults: Mention other health conditions, fragile skin, and all medicines you take.
• Pregnancy: Tell your prenatal clinician and acupuncturist if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Children and teenagers: Discuss care with a pediatric clinician and choose someone experienced with younger patients.
• Blood thinners: Tell the acupuncturist if you take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding problem.

Ask your asthma clinician before adding acupuncture, particularly if wheezing or breathlessness is getting worse.

Choose a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles. Read the acupuncture safety guide for more precautions.

What other care helps allergic rhinitis?

Acupuncture for allergies can be considered alongside standard ways to manage hay fever. MedlinePlus guidance on allergic rhinitis describes antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and allergy shots for some people. An allergist can help identify triggers and suggest care when symptoms remain troublesome.

Simple steps can help, too. Check pollen conditions before long outdoor activities and keep windows closed when pollen is high.

Saline nasal rinsing may ease some allergy symptoms. To rinse more safely, follow these steps:

• Choose safe water: Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Never use untreated tap water.
• Clean and dry the device: Follow the manufacturer’s directions to wash and dry the device between uses, as the FDA guidance advises. The CDC water-safety advice explains safe rinse water.

If you are planning care in Reno, read the guide to choosing a Nevada acupuncturist. It explains what to check before scheduling a visit. For other topics, you can browse the acupuncture condition guides.

Considering acupuncture in Reno

Acupuncture for allergies may offer some relief from seasonal sneezing, itching, and nasal symptoms. Research gives useful reasons to discuss it, while your existing allergy and asthma care stays in place. If symptoms are not controlled, ask an allergist to help identify your triggers and review treatment options.

When you are ready to explore acupuncture, use the Nevada acupuncturist choosing guide to prepare your questions. There is no need to decide on a long course before understanding what a visit involves.