What Does the Evidence Say About Acupuncture for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis?
Acupuncture is widely used as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support respiratory health. For adults living with asthma or allergic rhinitis (hayfever), many people ask whether acupuncture is supported by scientific evidence. Here is a clear summary based on findings from the Acupuncture Evidence Project (AACMA) and the Evidence Based Acupuncture research reviews.
Acupuncture for Asthma in Adults
Asthma is a chronic condition involving airway inflammation, constriction, and sensitivity to environmental triggers. While medication remains the primary treatment, acupuncture has been studied as a complementary therapy.
According to the Acupuncture Evidence Project by AACMA, there is encouraging but limited evidence that acupuncture may help improve asthma symptoms and quality of life when used alongside standard medical care. Research suggests acupuncture may help by:
reducing airway inflammation
regulating immune responses
supporting relaxation of bronchial muscles
Systematic reviews indicate some improvements in symptom severity and lung function, although results vary between studies. The overall conclusion is that acupuncture may be beneficial as an adjunct therapy, but more high-quality research is needed for stronger recommendations.
Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever)
The evidence for acupuncture in allergic rhinitis is STRONGER.
According to reviews from Evidence Based Acupuncture, multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews show that acupuncture can:
reduce nasal congestion
decrease sneezing and itching
improve overall quality of life
reduce reliance on antihistamines in some cases
The Acupuncture Evidence Project (AACMA) classifies acupuncture for allergic rhinitis as having moderate to strong evidence of effectiveness, particularly when symptoms are chronic or seasonal. Studies suggest acupuncture may help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammatory markers involved in allergic reactions.
How Acupuncture May Work for Respiratory Conditions
Research indicates acupuncture may influence:
the nervous system pathways involved in airway constriction
inflammatory responses linked to allergies and asthma
immune system regulation
- Improving blood flow and circulation
These mechanisms may explain why some people experience reduced symptom severity and fewer flare-ups over time.
An Additional Approach to your management plans
Acupuncture is not a replacement for prescribed asthma or allergy medication. However, evidence suggests it may be a useful complementary therapy for adults seeking additional symptom support.
If you are considering acupuncture for asthma or allergic rhinitis, it is important to continue working with your GP or specialist while exploring symptomatic care.
At our Northern Beaches clinics in Warriewood and Brookvale, I provide acupuncture treatments tailored to respiratory health, helping adults manage symptoms associated with asthma and hayfever using a personalised and evidence-informed approach. I'm and AHPRA registered Acupuncturist and have been in private practice since 2003.
