Treating Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, this condition is often related to disharmonies in the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems.

The defensive Qi (Wei Qi) protection system is primarily governed by the interaction of three key systems: the Kidney Yang, the Spleen, and the Lungs. When this protective energy is weakened, the body becomes vulnerable to external pathogens such as pollen, dust, and other allergens. In my clinical experience, I typically observe involvement of both the Kidneys and Lungs in most allergic rhinitis cases.

The Lung system governs the body’s exterior defenses and when compromised, fails to prevent allergens from penetrating the body’s protective barrier. The Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation, when deficient, leads to accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm that manifest as nasal congestion and discharge. The Kidney system, particularly Kidney Yang, provides the foundational energy that supports both the Lungs and Spleen. Weakness in the Kidneys often presents as the fatigue that precedes the onset of allergic symptoms.

The following case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly Master Tung’s acupuncture points, in treating allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever).

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa triggered by an IgE-mediated immune response to environmental allergens. According to epidemiological studies, it affects between 10-30% of the global population, with increasing prevalence in industrialized countries.

The pathophysiology involves two main phases: sensitization and the allergic response. During sensitization, allergens are processed by antigen-presenting cells, leading to the production of specific IgE antibodies. Upon re-exposure, these allergens bind to IgE on mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines. This cascade produces the characteristic symptoms: nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus. Many patients also experience ocular symptoms such as itching, tearing, and conjunctival redness.

Conventional treatments include antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and allergen immunotherapy. While these approaches can provide symptomatic relief, they often have limitations including side effects, incomplete response, and the need for continuous medication. This creates a significant opportunity for complementary approaches like acupuncture to address both symptoms and underlying imbalances.

Date: 06/03/2015
Age & Gender: 53 years old, Female (Now 63)

• History of allergies for years, with some improvement in recent years
• Experiences allergies during seasonal transitions lasting several weeks
• Allergic to cats and dust
• Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, eye itching, tearing, and fatigue
• Has eliminated dairy and wheat from her diet

• Throughout her life, suffered from cold sensitivity, which changed during menopause
• Last winter, experienced cold feet and needed to sleep with socks at night
• Previously had difficulty falling asleep at night
• Has been thirsty throughout her life
• Previously suffered from poor digestion with a tendency toward constipation
• Osteoporosis that stabilized at age 45

• Hormone replacement therapy for menopause
• Calcium citrate

Pulse diagnosis revealed that the CUN position on the right side (lungs) was not palpable. The CHI position on the right side (kidney Yang) was weak.

Since the treatment occurred over a 10-year period, I tried various approaches. My treatment methods evolved over the years. Below are the points that had the most significant impact.

• 88.17-19 Si Ma (Primary-lung, Liver-sub-branch)
• 77.18 Shen Guan (Six Fu)

• Zhong Kui – Heavy Head (Lung-sub-branch, Heart-sub-branch)
• 44.01 San Jin (Heart-sub-branch, Lung-intersection): Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), cough
• 11.17 Mu (Liver): Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (itching, redness, and watering of the eyes)
• 1010.08 Zhen Jing (Brain, Heart), Gv-22, Gv-20 Bai Hui

Points: Li-20 Ying Xiang, 1010.22 Bi Yi, 1010.09 Shang Li

This Dao Ma combination is highly effective for treating hay fever as it specifically targets both nasal symptoms and eye-related issues. The points work synergistically to address the entire symptom complex of allergic rhinitis, providing relief to both the nasal passages and the eyes.

This is an interesting case because I have been treating her for 10 years; she is now 63 years old. Over the years of treating allergies, I have noticed that in the first series of treatments, I need more sessions to see improvement. As the years pass and the patient returns annually for treatment, the number of treatments decreases, sometimes requiring only one treatment.

Date: 31/12/2024
Age & Gender: 11 years old, Female

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Beginning with fatigue, then progressing to eye itching, runny nose, coughing, and eventually asthma attacks
• Fatigue begins with a bad mood, which can last 3-4 months
• Once runny nose begins, asthma attacks develop within a few days
• Allergic to olive trees, grass, and pine trees
• No food allergies
• Previously athletic before condition began, now very weak
• Currently experiencing severe fatigue

• The diagnosis was made through examination of the palms, which revealed weakness in the lungs and kidneys
• The kidney weakness likely causes the significant fatigue that precedes the development of allergic symptoms

A total of 5 treatments were administered, and the current episode did not progress to an asthma attack. The patient came to me during the fatigue stage. I used almost the same acupuncture points in all treatments with minor variations.

• 88.17-19 Si Ma (Primary-lung, Liver-sub-branch)
• 88.09 Tong Shan (kidney)
• 77.18 Shen Guan (Six Fu)

• 33.16 Qu Ling (Heart, Lung-branch): Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Jian Li, Zhong Li (Lung branch, Heart branch): Stuffy nose, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• 1010.08 Zhen Jing (Brain, Heart), Gv-22

In the third treatment, eye itching and skin roughness appeared, so I added:

• 22.03 Shang Bai (Lung-sub-branch, Heart-sub-branch): An important point for treating eye disorders; also effective for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
• 11.17 Mu (Liver): Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (itching, redness, watering of the eyes) – Because this is a very painful point, I used laser therapy
• 77.28 Guan Ming: An important point for treating eye disorders; also effective for hay fever

By the fifth treatment, she reported that the itching and fatigue had disappeared, and the condition had not progressed to include a runny nose and asthma.

We agreed that she would return for treatment at the first sign of fatigue.

Date: 04/12/2022
Age & Gender: 61 years old, Female

• Cough and phlegm on a background of allergic asthma
• History of asthma since early age with sensitivity to house dust, humidity, and certain plants
• In the past two years, winters have been harsh, with persistent cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath
• Occasionally, during the past year, a feeling of being ill with headaches and sometimes fever
• The patient believes it started with COVID-19
• Abdominal pain and flatulence following COVID vaccination

• The patient has 13 children
• Rectal prolapse
• Urinary leakage occurs when transitioning from a lying to a standing position

• The patient first came to me in winter, suffering from a two-month episode of cough with phlegm and breathing difficulties
• After 10 treatments, there was a significant improvement in her condition
• She has continued to come for preventative treatment before winter and during acute episodes in winter
• In the past two years, acupuncture has successfully relieved her symptoms during acute episodes

I diagnosed the root cause using pulse diagnosis. The right and left cun positions were weak.

The five zang involved:

• Lung and heart
• The spleen is not nourishing the upper burner

I used a variety of acupuncture points throughout the treatment course.

• 88.02 Tong Shan, 88.03 Tong Tian (Heart)
• 88.17-19 Si Ma (Primary-lung, Liver-sub-branch)
• To strengthen the spleen, I used the principle of using fire to nourish the earth (the creative cycle of the five phases)
• In some cases, I added 77.05-07 San Zhong (Primary-spleen, Heart-sub-branch, Lung-sub-branch)

• 11.01 Da Jian, 11.02 Xiao Jian, Ce Jian (Heart-sub-branch, Lung-sub-branch, Six-Fu): Asthma (childhood), cough, cough (with yellow phlegm)
• Ding Chuan (Spleen, Lung-branch): Wheezing, asthma
• 22.01 Chong Zi, 22.02 Chong Xian (Lung-sub-branch, Heart-sub-branch): cough, cough (with yellow phlegm), asthma
• 22.05 Ling Gu (Lung-branch): Asthma, cough, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rhinitis
• 22.04 Da Bai (Lung-branch): Asthma, allergic rhinitis
• 44.01 San Jian (Heart-sub-branch, Lung-intersection): Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), cough, cough (dry)

• Li-11 Qu Chi
• 33.07 Hu Fu Hai (Lung-sub-branch, Heart-assistant): Cough, cough (chronic), cough (with yellow phlegm), dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Ding Ke (Lung): Cough, cough (chronic), cough (with yellow phlegm)
• Ding Ke location: When the palm is placed on the epigastrium, the point is 1.6 cun proximal and 0.5 cun anterior to Li-11 Qu Chi

When treating allergies, I almost always add ear points to enhance the treatment effect:

Location: At the most superior point of the ear (apex of the helix)
Application: Allergies, hay fever, asthma
Technique: Needle on the non-dominant side, from the inner or outer side of the helix

Location: In the anterior corner of the intertragic notch, where the notch ascends to the tragus
Application: ACTH stimulation, effective in all cases of allergies
Technique: Needle on the non-dominant side

Location: At the level of Points T12−L1 in the antihelix wall, at the transition from the upper third to the middle third of the wall
Application: The point has a cortisone effect and is therefore indicated in all allergic disorders
Technique: Needle on the non-dominant side

Based on these cases, several clinical patterns emerge:

1. Early Intervention: Treating patients at the first sign of symptoms (particularly fatigue) can prevent progression to more severe manifestations.
2. Cumulative Effect: Long-term patients require fewer treatments over time, suggesting a cumulative benefit from acupuncture.
3. Root and Branch Treatment: Addressing both the underlying disharmony (root) and the symptoms (branch) provides the most effective relief.
4. Key Systems: The Lung, Kidney, and Spleen systems are consistently involved in allergic conditions, though the specific pattern may vary between patients.
5. Auricular Acupuncture: Adding ear points significantly enhances the effect of the treatment for allergic conditions.
6. Preventative Care: Pre-season treatment can significantly reduce the severity of seasonal allergies.

Master Tung’s acupuncture system offers powerful and efficient points for treating allergic conditions, with relatively few needles achieving significant clinical effects.