Best Acupuncture Points for Allergies: A Beginner's Guide

Unlock Natural Relief, Discover The Best Acupuncture Points for Allergies

Key Highlights

• Acupressure is a natural method for allergy relief that stimulates specific acupuncture points.

• Stimulating these points can help reduce nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, and sinus headaches.

• Acupressure works by restoring energy flow through the main meridians, improving circulation, and supporting the immune system.

• Incorporating acupressure and acupuncture into your wellness routine can provide long-term relief for seasonal allergies.

Acupuncture Points for Allergies

Imagine waking up every morning with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing. 

Seasonal allergies can feel like an uphill battle, leaving you exhausted, foggy-headed, and reaching for another pill to ease the symptoms. 

But what if there was a natural treatment that could provide lasting relief?

Instead of relying solely on antihistamines, acupuncture and acupressure treatments offer an effective way to treat allergies, regulate the body's immune response, and reduce inflammation.

In this guide, you'll learn how to use acupressure at home and discover how acupuncture treatments at Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing can provide long-term relief from allergic rhinitis.

Acupressure is a fundamental Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method that focuses on stimulating specific acupuncture points along the body’s main meridians to alleviate pain, regulate immune function, and restore balance. By applying targeted pressure, acupressure can help clear nasal congestion, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

Allergic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into acupressure techniques, it’s important to understand why allergies occur and how acupressure can help. Allergic rhinitis happens when the immune system misidentifies harmless substances, such as pollen or dust mites, as threats. This leads to nasal congestion, sinus pressure, skin redness, and other common symptoms.

According to clinical practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allergic rhinitis is often linked to imbalances in the lung meridian and weakened defensive Qi. Acupressure helps restore balance by stimulating acupuncture points along the body's energy pathways, which improves circulation, regulates immune responses, and supports natural allergy relief.

Want to dive deeper into how acupuncture can help? 

Read our detailed guide:👉 Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergies: A Natural Solution

Common Allergy Symptoms and How Acupuncture Can Help

Allergies can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Sneezing, nasal obstruction, and nasal congestion

• Runny nose and watery eyes

• Sinus pressure and headaches

• Itchy skin, throat irritation, and redness

• Fatigue and brain fog from immune system overactivity

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Allergy Relief

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat allergies by focusing on restoring balance within the body. Unlike conventional medicine, which mainly suppresses symptoms, TCM aims to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and regulate energy flow for long-term relief.

How TCM Views Allergies

In TCM, allergies are often linked to imbalances in the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians:

• Lung Qi Deficiency → Leads to nasal congestion, sneezing, and breathing difficulties.

• Spleen Qi Deficiency → Causes excess mucus production and digestive weakness.

• Kidney Deficiency → Weakens the body’s ability to regulate immune responses, leading to chronic allergy symptoms.

How Acupuncture Supports TCM Allergy Treatment

Acupuncture helps by:

✅ Stimulating the body's energy pathways to regulate the immune system.

✅ Reducing inflammation and nasal obstruction by improving circulation.

✅ Calming the nervous system to lower stress-related allergy flare-ups.

By addressing the root causes of allergies rather than just treating the symptoms, TCM offers a natural, long-term solution for those suffering from seasonal allergies.

🔗 Learn more about our TCM approach here

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Unlike antihistamines, which only suppress symptoms, acupuncture addresses the root cause of allergies by stimulating energy flow through key meridians, reducing inflammation, and calming an overactive immune response.

Many of my clients come to me after trying everything: antihistamines, nasal sprays, and constant symptom management. After just a few acupuncture sessions, they notice fewer allergy flare-ups, improved breathing, and a more balanced immune system. One client even told me, "I no longer dread spring because my allergies are finally under control!"

Try This At-Home Acupressure Routine for Allergy Relief

Acupressure is a powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment that you can use at home to alleviate allergy symptoms naturally. Below is a simple acupressure routine that helps to open nasal pathways, reduce inflammation, and relieve sinus pressure.

What You Will Need

To practice acupressure for allergies at home, you will need a few basic tools. The most commonly used fingers for applying pressure are the index finger and middle fingers. These fingers provide the best leverage and control when pressing on the acupressure points. It's important to apply gentle pressure to the points, starting with a light touch and gradually increasing the pressure as needed.

In addition to your fingers, you may also find it helpful to have a comfortable surface to sit or lie on during the acupressure session. This can be a yoga mat, cushion, or soft carpet. 

Some individuals also prefer to use essential oils or soothing music to create a calming atmosphere during their acupressure session. However, these are optional and not necessary for the practice of acupressure itself.

Step-by-Step Acupressure Routine

1. LI 20 (Welcome Fragrance) – Clears Nasal Congestion

📍 Location: On both sides of the nostrils.

✅ How to Apply Pressure: Gently press with your index finger and massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds to help open nasal pathways and relieve nasal obstruction.

2. LI 4 (Hegu) – Reduces Inflammation & Supports the Immune System

📍 Location: In the webbing between your thumb and index finger.

✅ How to Apply Pressure: Apply firm pressure for 30-60 seconds on each hand to reduce inflammation, relieve headaches, and support immune function.

"Image Courtesy of 'A Manual of Acupuncture' By Peter Deadman"

3. ST 36 (Zusanli) – Strengthens the Immune System

📍 Location: Below the kneecap, about four finger-widths down on the outer part of the shin.

✅ How to Apply Pressure: Massage this point for 30 seconds on each leg to help boost immune function and improve energy regulation.

4. BL 2 (Zanzhu) – Relieves Sinus Pressure & Eye Itching

📍 Location: At the inner edge of the eyebrows.

✅ How to Apply Pressure: Gently press with both thumbs for 30 seconds to ease sinus pressure and reduce eye redness and itching.

"Image Courtesy of 'A Manual of Acupuncture' By Peter Deadman"

DU 23 (Upper Star) – Clears Sinus Blockage & Improves Breathing

📍 Location: One finger-width above the midline of your forehead, between the eyebrows.

✅ How to Apply Pressure: Apply firm pressure with your middle finger for 30 seconds, then massage in small circles for another 30 seconds. This helps open nasal passages, reduce sinus pressure, and improve airflow.

"Image courtesy of 'A Manual of Acupuncture' by Peter Deadman, used under [specific usage terms]."

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) – Balances the Nervous System & Opens Sinuses

How to Do It:

1️⃣ Close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale deeply through the left nostril.

2️⃣ Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through the right nostril.

3️⃣ Repeat for 5 minutes to calm the nervous system and relieve nasal congestion

Want expert guidance to maximise your allergy relief? 

Acupuncture provides long-term results that go beyond acupressure.

👉 Book a Consultation Today

Best Times to Practice Acupressure

The best times to practice acupressure for allergies are during allergy seasons or when you are experiencing allergy symptoms. Performing acupressure during these times can provide immediate relief from symptoms and help manage your allergies effectively. 

Additionally, incorporating acupressure into your daily routine can also promote overall health and well-being. You can practice acupressure in the morning to start your day off on a positive note, or in the evening to relax and unwind before bed. Find a time that works best for you and make it a regular part of your allergy management routine.

Frequency and Duration for Effective Relief

The frequency and duration of your acupressure sessions will depend on the severity of your allergy symptoms and your body's response to the techniques. In general, practicing acupressure for allergies 2-3 times a day can provide effective relief. 

Tips for Enhancing Your Acupressure Sessions

To enhance the effectiveness of your acupressure sessions and promote overall health and well-being, consider incorporating the following tips:

• Combine acupressure with self-massage techniques to further relieve tension and promote relaxation.

• Practice deep breathing and mindfulness during your acupressure sessions to enhance relaxation and reduce stress.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels.

• Stay hydrated and ensure you are getting enough rest to support your body's natural healing processes.

• Consider seeking guidance from a qualified acupuncturist for personalised advice and effective techniques.

What Science Says: Research on Acupuncture for Allergies

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,186 patients found that acupuncture significantly improves allergy symptoms when combined with conventional treatments. Even more impressively, patients who received acupuncture had lower relapse rates, meaning longer-lasting relief! [Read the study]

Another 2020 network meta-analysis comparing different acupuncture techniques found that sphenopalatine ganglion acupuncture was the most effective method for reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms, followed by San-Fu-Tie therapy and manual acupuncture. [Read more]

These findings confirm what many acupuncture practitioners and patients already know, acupuncture does more than mask symptoms; it helps regulate the immune system for long-term allergy relief!

The Nervous System’s Role in Allergic Reactions

The nervous system plays a significant role in how the body responds to allergens. When exposed to an allergen, the sympathetic nervous system triggers an inflammatory response, leading to nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and skin irritation. Acupuncture helps by stimulating the vagus nerve, which connects the brain, immune, and respiratory systems. 

Research suggests that the stimulation of acupuncture points can help regulate inflammation, reduce histamine release, and improve immune balance. By calming the nervous system, acupuncture treats allergic symptoms and helps patients develop a stronger resistance to seasonal allergies.

This is why acupuncture is so effective for allergy relief; it doesn’t just treat symptoms; it retrains the nervous system to regulate immune responses better.

Meet Your Expert: Deanna Thomas, BSc (Hons), Lic.Ac, MBAcC

As a degree-trained acupuncturist and registered practitioner, I specialise in helping patients find natural relief from allergies, sinusitis, and seasonal rhinitis.