It is suggested in our theoretical model that, in adult subjects with allergic rhinitis, acupuncture may down-regulate certain proinflammatory neuropeptides and neurotrophins as well as Th2 cytokines and proinflammatory cytokines, thereby producing a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance of T helper cells towards Th1. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is allergic rhinitis.