BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS Acupuncture reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improves people’s tolerance to would-be allergens through a number of mechanisms. When people have allergic rhinitis, the immune system incorrectly identifies some harmless irritants as a threat (allergen), and creates specific immunoglobulins called IgEs against each perceived allergen. These IgEs are anchored to mast cells, in a process known as “priming”. When these primed mast cells encounter an allergen (such as pollen) they react by releasing a cocktail of substances which create inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Once the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed, nerves within the nasal mucosa also release inflammatory neuropeptides such as substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These neuropeptides increase the inflammation producing itching, sneezing, runny nose and blocked nose. The hypersensitive nose will then react to a whole host of irritants (apart from allergens) such as perfume, smoke, and temperature or humidity changes.