Acupuncture for Sinusitis and Allergies

Acupuncture for Sinusitis and Allergies in London: Does It Help?

Yes, acupuncture can help with sinus congestion, hay fever and allergy symptoms for many people. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and calming the immune response that drives symptoms such as blocked sinuses, sneezing and itchy eyes. Results build over a course of sessions rather than after a single visit, and it works well alongside conventional treatment.

In short

• Acupuncture for sinusitis in London is used to ease congestion, facial pressure and post nasal drip
• Trials show acupuncture can reduce nasal symptom scores and improve quality of life in allergic rhinitis
• It may help hay fever symptoms by calming the immune reaction behind them, not just masking them
• Treatment can be combined with Chinese herbal medicine for persistent or chronic cases
• Not a substitute for urgent care if you have signs of a bacterial infection

Does acupuncture help with sinus pressure and blocked sinuses?

Sinus pressure and blocked sinuses are usually caused by swollen, inflamed tissue lining the sinus cavities leading to congestion and/or sinus headache and facial pain. Acupuncture points around the face, hands and lower legs are used to encourage drainage and reduce that inflammation.

A systematic review of acupuncture, covering 21 randomised trials and 1,889 patients, found meaningful reductions in nasal symptom scores compared with both sham treatment and antihistamines, with moderate quality evidence (PubMed, 2025).

This doesn’t mean acupuncture replaces antibiotics where a genuine bacterial sinus infection is present. It means it can be a useful option for the congestion, pressure and recurring symptoms that sit alongside or follow one. And it means it can be useful for chronic sinusitis or rhinitis where there is no infection.

Can acupuncture help with allergies and hay fever symptoms?

There is now a reasonable body of trial evidence for allergic rhinitis, which covers both hay fever and year-round allergies. A meta-analysis of 30 trials and 4,413 participants found acupuncture improved nasal symptoms and quality of life compared with no treatment, with effects broadly similar to common antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine (PubMed, 2022).

Researchers have also proposed a biological mechanism: acupuncture appears to rebalance the immune cells involved in allergic reactions and reduce the eosinophil activity that damages the nasal lining (PMC, 2026). In plain terms, it seems to calm the allergic response itself rather than just numbing the symptoms.

What happens during a session for sinus congestion?

We begin with a full history, including how long you have had symptoms, any known triggers, and what has helped or not helped before. Needling typically targets some points on the face around the sinuses, along with points on the arms and legs used in Chinese medicine to support the lungs and regulate the immune system. Many patients also benefit from Chinese herbal medicine alongside acupuncture, particularly for long-standing or recurrent sinus problems. We will always tell you honestly if we think your symptoms need investigating by your GP or an ENT specialist first.

In practice, what we see with sinus and allergy patients

In practice, we often see people who have been dealing with blocked sinuses or hay fever symptoms for years and have cycled through decongestants, steroid sprays and antihistamines with only partial relief. Some come to us with facial pain or headaches that trace back to sinus congestion rather than a primary headache disorder.

What we typically see is a gradual easing of congestion and pressure over a course of treatment, with many patients reporting fewer flare ups during hay fever season once we’ve worked through an initial course. Everyone responds differently, and chronic, long-standing sinus problems generally need more sessions than a recent flare up. That said in some cases there can be a quite dramatic change very quickly.

Who this may not be suitable for

Acupuncture is not appropriate as a first response to a suspected acute bacterial sinus infection with fever, or to symptoms that could indicate a more serious sinus or facial condition. It should not delay medical assessment if you have severe facial pain, vision changes, any numbness or symptoms that are getting rapidly worse. It may also not suit you if you have a significant needle phobia or a bleeding disorder. We always ask about your full medical history before starting treatment.

About your practitioner

Duncan McGechie (BA, MSc, Grad Dip, MBAcC, MBMAS, MRCHM, MISRM, FHEA) has practiced acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine since 2003, with 23 years of clinical experience treating patients across London. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, the British Medical Acupuncture Society, the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage, Read Duncan’s full profile.

Cost and booking

For current prices and our cancellation policy, see our prices page. You can book an appointment online at our Holborn WC1 or Lee/Grove Park SE12 clinics, or contact us if you have questions about whether acupuncture is right for your symptoms.