According to TCM, hay fever is a condition of atopy (a form of hypersensitivity) and can be successfully treated by using Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Hay fever is usually attributed to a deficiency of Qi (the body's essential energy) and an invasion of Wind-Heat in the Lung. Symptoms vary from patient to patient and the prescription will be based on the experiences and symptoms of the individual.

Chinese medicine has been shown to be very effective in treating allergies. In a comparative study on treating Type I allergic diseases, acupuncture and desensitisation therapies were used in 143 cases. The outcome showed that acupuncture had an extensive and remarkable effect on Type I allergic reactions. The curative effect was higher in the acupuncture group than in the desensitisation group.

Although acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader application. The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the body that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. It can help to strengthen the body’s resistance and can regulate the body’s antigen-antibody’s reactions. This is important in helping to relieve hay fever and other allergic reactions such as asthma.

According to Chinese Medicine theory generally the aim of the treatment for hay fever will be to open the Lung Qi to expel the Wind-Heat. A herbal treatment prescription can be formulated specifically to a patient’s condition and should be altered as the symptoms change.

Acupuncture can be prescribed according to TCM theory to treat hay fever. It can achieve fairly fast and lasting results. Nasal congestion, discharge, and itching  can be relieved during the first acupuncture treatment. Six treatments may be needed to give lasting relief of hay fever symptoms. Some patients return for a series of six treatments each year just before what used to be their hay fever season. Others remain free from hay fever for years after one course of acupuncture treatments.