Seasonal Allergies: Achoo!

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a coordinated immune response. They affect the entire upper airway system and, for many people, spill into the lungs, and impact their sleep, energy, as well as mood. A practical, whole-person approach can include conventional (allopathic) treatments, home remedies, and supportive therapies like acupuncture and massage.

In this blog, we will review what actually happens in your upper and lower airways during an allergic reaction. We will also suggest what you can do to prevent, reduce, or soothe the severity of an allergic attack by supporting your immune system, both airways, and your overall health.

‘Rhinitis’ is defined as inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose, characterized by a runny nose and stuffiness, and often caused by seasonal allergies.

Upper airways include the mouth, throat, nose, and cranial sinuses. The word ‘sinus’ is a catch-all term. By definition, the cranial sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the head. There are four paranasal sinuses: the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary. These sinuses produce mucous that drains into your nose to keep it free of germs and allergens.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you are probably quite familiar with these sinuses, even if you don’t know them by name. When there is an excess of mucous in these cavities, this is when you often feel pressure.

^{Credit: The Cleveland Clinic}

A certain amount of moisture in our upper airways is desirable. The air that we breathe is filtered, warmed, and moistened in our upper airways. Lower airways refer to the lungs and our lungs are much more receptive to warm, moist air. In fact, our bodies use a pint of water per day moistening the air that makes it way to our lungs!

What’s happening in the airways?

Seasonal allergies begin when the immune system misidentifies harmless particles, typically pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, as threats. In sensitized people, exposure triggers a generalized immune response via big IgE antibodies on mast cells in the lining of the nose, sinuses, throat, and eyes. Those mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

In the upper airways, this response causes:

• Swelling of nasal membranes, narrowing airflow and creating congestion

• Increased mucus production, leading to runny nose and postnasal drip

• Itching and sneezing, from irritated sensory nerves

• Sinus pressure and headaches when drainage pathways are blocked

Sound familiar? The excess mucous produced during this exaggerated immune response must drain somehow. Sometimes, the production of mucous outpaces our bodies ability to drain it. 

‘Postnasal drip’ is this necessary drainage. It can irritate the throat and larynx, contributing to chronic cough, hoarseness, and a sore throat.

Nighttime cough and chronic clearing of the throat in the absence of rhinitis can be attributed to “silent reflux” originating in the digestive tract, with or without heartburn.

In the lower airways, some people experience bronchial hyper reactivity – tightness, wheeze, shortness of breath, especially if they also have asthma. This is one reason allergies can be more than “just a nose problem”.

Common allopathic remedies

Conventional treatments largely aim at symptom relief and immune response suppression. The following allopathic strategies aim to block histamine, reduce inflammation, and improve drainage:

Second-generation oral antihistamines (often non-drowsy)

• Examples: cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine

• Helpful for itching, sneezing, and/or runny nose

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays

• Examples: fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone

• Often the most effective single therapy for nasal congestion and overall symptom control when used consistently

Nasal antihistamine sprays

• Example: azelastine

• Fast relief for sneezing and runny nose; sometimes combined with steroid sprays

Decongestants

• Oral pseudoephedrine can help congestion, but may raise heart rate or blood pressure and disturb sleep

• Topical sprays like oxymetazoline should be limited (typically ≤3 days) to avoid rebound congestion

Eye drops 

• Antihistamines/mast cell stabilizers

• Helpful when itchy, watery eyes are prominent

Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)

• A longer-term option that can reduce sensitivity over time for appropriate candidates

* If symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, or frequent nighttime cough, it’s important to consider asthma evaluation with an allergist.

Common home remedies (and why they help)

• Saline nasal rinses (neti pot or squeeze bottle): physically clears pollen, reduces mucus thickness, and improves nasal airflow. Use sterile/distilled or previously boiled water.

• Showering and changing clothes after outdoor exposure reduces pollen load.

• HEPA filtration in the bedroom and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts.

• Cold compresses for itchy eyes; lubricating drops to rinse allergens away.

• Hydration and warm fluids to thin mucus and soothe throat irritation.

• A spoonful of local honey dissolved in a mug of hot water is popular. Evidence is mixed, but it may soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Honey should be avoided for infants.

• Herbal supplements, like quercetin, bromelain, or butterbur, can also be supportive. As they interact with medications or have safety considerations, it’s important to discuss with a licensed clinician.

What role does acupuncture play?

Acupuncture is commonly used for allergic rhinitis and related sinus symptoms. Acupuncture can help support the immune system and alleviate symptoms. Research suggests it may help by:

In practice, results tend to be best when started before peak season (a “pre-season tune-up”) and continued through the early part of symptom flare-ups. Many acupuncturists also use adjuncts, like moxibustion, herbal recommendations, and lifestyle strategies, based on pattern differentiation.

^{Credit: MassageCraft & Acupuncture Clinic}

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Pattern Differentiation

Lung and Wei Qi (defensive Qi): weakness, susceptibility, and/or frequent sneezing

In TCM, allergies, like colds, are considered “invasions of wind”, carrying (climactic), pathogens penetrate the protective layer of Qi, (Wei Qi), through our skin. Our upper back, back of the head, and airways are most vulnerable to these pathogens.

The lungs are said to govern our immune system/Wei Qi. They are the most external of our internal organs. The cilia and mucous membranes in our nose and respiratory tract are the first lines of defense in trapping and neutralizing inhaled pathogens. The lungs also have a rich lymph supply to further neutralize pathogens that get through our first line of defense.

Your acupuncturist may temporarily release the exterior protective layer of Qi with techniques like Gua sha skin scraping and cupping to give the invading pathogen a route out. This can significantly alleviate chronic coughing and congestion.

Spleen deficiency with dampness: phlegm, heaviness, and/or chronic congestion

Exposure to damp weather, damp foods such as an excess of sweet, dairy or consumption of raw foods, as well as overthinking or worry can contribute to Spleen deficiency with dampness.

Liver Qi constraint: heat, headaches, irritability, and/or symptom flares

In TCM, the Liver refers to a functional system rather than just the anatomical organ. When stress is high, this system can become restricted or limited. Stress can amplify inflammation and worsen allergic responses.

From a biomedical perspective, the liver isn’t the “cause” of seasonal allergies, but it does play a supporting role. It helps metabolize and clear histamine and other inflammatory byproducts. It processes many medications used for allergies. The liver is central to immune regulation and systemic inflammation through complex metabolic and detoxification pathways.

However, the idea of “liver overload” as a direct explanation for hay fever is often overstated. Nonetheless, practitioners of TCM find that addressing stress reactivity and liver “constraint” can reduce symptom intensity, which aligns with what we see clinically.

^{Credit: Align Life Chiropractic}

^{Credit: MassageCraft & Acupuncture Clinic}

Acupressure points

While acupuncture stimulates key points to create deep, long-lasting changes in the body, acupressure is a helpful treatment option. Pressure on these points is not a substitute for an acupuncture treatment, but is a great, preventative measure and for treatment of sudden allergy attacks.

There are six specific points on the face. Three are on each side of the nose: Bladder 2, Stomach 2, and Large Intestine 20.  First, gently press all three points with circular pressure on each side of the face. Use your pointer or middle fingers on the forehead and then your ring finger and pinks along the side of the nose. Then, move your fingers in the direction shown in the photo below. On the forehead, glide your fingers in upward, sweeping motions. On the side of the nose, glide your fingers out and in downward, sweeping motions.

^{Credit: Integrated Health Clinic}

Massage strategies that can help

Massage won’t “cure” allergies, but it can meaningfully improve comfort, especially when congestion, headaches, neck tension, and stress are symptomatic.

• Sinus and facial techniques: As shown above, provide gentle touch along the frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, and nasal bridge. Slow effleurage and light pressure can encourage drainage and relieve pressure.

• Neck, jaw, and scalp release: Specific muscles of the suboccipitals, suboccipitals, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalenes, temporalis, and masseters often tighten with mouth breathing and coughing. Chronically tight masseters (chewing muscles), associated with Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder (TMJ) can also play a role in inflammation and excessive mucous production in the nasal membranes. In fact, symptoms of many TMJ disorders can mimic chronic sinusitis and allergy symptoms. Addressing jaw dysfunction can have a surprising effect on allergy symptoms.

• Thoracic and rib mobility work: Opening the chest and improving breathing mechanics can be supportive when allergies trigger cough or shallow breathing.

• Parasympathetic downshifting: Slower movements, longer holds, and diaphragmatic breathing cues can reduce stress-driven amplification of symptoms.

• Lymphatic-style strokes: Gentle, superficial touch may help reduce the sensation of puffiness and support fluid movement around the face and neck.

* Practical note: Strongly scented oils can trigger symptoms for some clients. Unscented options are often best during allergy season.

A balanced takeaway

Seasonal allergies are an airway-centered immune response that can affect the entire respiratory tract and daily functioning. Allopathic care provides reliable symptom control and prevention. Home strategies reduce allergen exposure and support drainage. Acupuncture and massage can be valuable adjuncts, especially for congestion, stress load, sleep disruption, and headache/tension patterns. 

This blog is not intended to replace consultation with a medical professional. Please seek attention from a clinician for any of the conditions mentioned above. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or include breathing difficulty, seek medical intervention as soon as possible. Acupuncture and massage may be important supports for allopathic intervention.

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/paranasal-sinuses

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4479426/

https://www.massagemag.com/learn-about-your-allergy-to-manage-it-5217/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/seasonal-allergies-8657428

https://alignlife.com/5-sinus-pressure-points-why-you-should-try-acupuncture-for-allergies/

https://alignlife.com/top-natural-antihistamines-for-allergies/

https://inthealthclinic.com/acupuncture-points-for-seasonal-allergies/