Hay Fever & Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) causes sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, sinus pressure, and fatigue — often worsening during pollen season or with ongoing exposure to dust, pet dander, or other environmental triggers.
At Dr Liu's Medical Acupuncture Clinic, hay fever is treated using a combined approach of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, tailored to your individual presentation rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Ongoing nasal congestion from hay fever or sinusitis can contribute to snoring and disrupted sleep. Acupuncture may also help support people experiencing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by targeting upper airway muscle tone and easing congestion. Acupuncture is not a cure for sleep apnea — it may help alongside your existing treatment plan (e.g. CPAP, lifestyle changes, or medical management).
Why Hay Fever Keeps Coming Back
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, recurrent hay fever is generally understood as a combination of two things: an underlying weakness in the body's defensive function (often linked to Lung and Spleen Qi), and a trigger — typically categorised as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat — that sets off the acute flare. This is why some people react mainly to cold weather and drafts, while others flare more with heat, dust, or pollen.
Because the underlying pattern differs between patients, treatment starts with a full assessment of your symptoms, triggers, and general health — not a standard, generic treatment plan.
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture treatment typically combines:
Local facial and sinus points — to directly ease nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and sneezing
Points on the arms and legs — traditionally used to calm the acute allergic reaction and support the Lung's role in regulating the nose and airways
Constitutional points — used to strengthen the body's underlying resistance over a course of treatment, aimed at reducing how often and how severely symptoms flare
For patients with a clear seasonal pattern, starting treatment 4–6 weeks ahead of pollen season (rather than waiting until symptoms are severe) is often recommended.
How Chinese Herbal Medicine Helps
Alongside acupuncture, a tailored herbal formula may be prescribed to support your body's resistance to seasonal and environmental triggers. Formulas are individually selected and adjusted through your course of treatment based on your pattern and how your symptoms respond — not prescribed as a fixed, off-the-shelf product.
What to Expect
Your first visit includes a detailed intake covering your symptoms, triggers, and health history, so your treatment plan is built around your specific presentation. Most patients attend a course of sessions rather than a single visit, with herbal formulas reviewed and adjusted every 1–2 weeks as needed.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complementary approach alongside your existing allergy management — please continue any medication prescribed by your doctor unless they advise otherwise.
NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients — your acupuncture treatment cost is fully claimable through your plan. Home visits available. Book today.