There is mixed research evidence supporting the use of acupuncture or a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
A controlled trial of 40 people failed to find significantly more benefit with real acupuncture than with fake ("sham") acupuncture.30 However, another study found benefit with real acupuncture plus real traditional Chinese herbs as opposed to placebo acupuncture and nonspecific Chinese herbs.41 A carefully conducted review of 7 placebo-controlled trials failed to find convincing evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness against allergic rhinitis.67
Acupuncture alone has demonstrated some promise for treating allergic rhinitis in children.46 In another study involving a randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 80 adult subjects, real acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture after 8 weeks of treatment for symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis.64
Findings from acupuncture studies are often considered limited because acupuncture cannot be performed according to the double-blind method preferred in rigorous scientific research. Practitioners administering treatment know whether they are providing genuine or fake (sham) acupuncture, and they may unconsciously communicate this to the subjects in the study. Proponents of acupuncture argue that this does not mean that acupuncture is not effective, but that the human relationship and other intangible elements are important aspects of the treatment.
There is mixed research evidence supporting the use of acupuncture or a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
A controlled trial of 40 people failed to find significantly more benefit with real acupuncture than with fake ("sham") acupuncture.30 However, another study found benefit with real acupuncture plus real traditional Chinese herbs as opposed to placebo acupuncture and nonspecific Chinese herbs.41 A carefully conducted review of 7 placebo-controlled trials failed to find convincing evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness against allergic rhinitis.67
Acupuncture alone has demonstrated some promise for treating allergic rhinitis in children.46 In another study involving a randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 80 adult subjects, real acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture after 8 weeks of treatment for symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis.64
Findings from acupuncture studies are often considered limited because acupuncture cannot be performed according to the double-blind method preferred in rigorous scientific research. Practitioners administering treatment know whether they are providing genuine or fake (sham) acupuncture, and they may unconsciously communicate this to the subjects in the study. Proponents of acupuncture argue that this does not mean that acupuncture is not effective, but that the human relationship and other intangible elements are important aspects of the treatment.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy are often recommended for treating allergies. Acupuncture, often with Chinese Herbs, can be an effective natural remedy for allergies. There is mixed research evidence supporting the use of these modalities as effective treatments for allergic rhinitis.
The exact effects of acupuncture are not clear in modern scientific terms. Acupuncture is believed to effect muscles, nerves, and body chemicals such as hormones and neurotransmitters. In general traditional terms, acupuncture seeks to restore the normal circulation of energy within specific channels, called meridians, and improve overall health by promoting the balance of energy in the whole body. Acupuncture may help treat allergic rhinitis by balancing the immune response that causes allergic symptoms.
