Acupuncture for Hay Fever & Seasonal Allergies

Around one in five people in the Netherlands suffers from hay fever. A runny nose, itchy eyes, persistent sneezing, and a tight chest — symptoms that arrive reliably every spring and make months of the year genuinely difficult to get through. The pollen season is getting longer, and hay fever is becoming more common. It doesn't have to simply be endured.

At Embodhi in Amsterdam, hay fever and seasonal allergies are treated both preventively and during the season itself.

How acupuncture helps with hay fever

Hay fever is fundamentally an immune response — the body reacting disproportionately to airborne pollen. Acupuncture works by supporting immune regulation, reducing the hypersensitivity that drives the reaction, and addressing the symptoms directly when they are already present.

Ideally, treatment starts before the hay fever season begins. Working preventively — in the weeks before pollen counts rise — gives the immune system time to stabilise, reducing both the severity and duration of symptoms when the season arrives. Treatment during acute hay fever is also effective, focusing on symptom relief and immune support simultaneously.

The number of sessions needed depends on the timing and severity of symptoms. Starting early generally produces better results.

Hay fever and other allergies

Acupuncture is effective for a broader range of allergic responses beyond hay fever — including dust allergies and allergic skin reactions such as eczema. The approach is similar: addressing immune dysregulation at the root while managing symptoms at the surface. Where hay fever overlaps with respiratory complaints or skin conditions, both can be addressed within the same treatment plan.