Seasonal Allergies and Acupuncture: What Science Says

Thinking of trying acupuncture for your allergies? Good choice! Per the National Institute of Health:

There are data from some randomized controlled trials that suggests that acupuncture may improve some symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as well as quality of life.

What Does the Research Show?

The available data on the efficacy of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis consist of several reviews and meta-analyses, as well as clinical practice guidelines issued in 2015 by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Clinical practice guidelines issued in 2015 by the American Academy of Otolaryngology include the following recommendation: “Clinicians may offer acupuncture, or refer to a clinician who can offer acupuncture, for patients with allergic rhinitis who are interested in nonpharmacologic therapy.”
A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies involving a total of 2,365 participants found that compared with a control group, the acupuncture treatment group had a significant reduction in nasal symptom scores, medication scores, and serum IgE, and an increase in quality of life scores.

Safety

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported. A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis examined the safety and efficacy of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis and concluded that the meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture could be a safe and valid treatment option for patients with allergic rhinitis.

About the Author: Dr. L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CFMP

L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CHPCA is a functional medicine specialist, and a dually Board certified and licensed clinician with 30+ years of practice. She employs a functional integrative approach to identify and address the underlying root cause of disorders while treating adult and pediatric patients. She is a nationally Board-Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist (OT/L), and a nationally Board-Certified licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist (LAc). She is licensed to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, became Board Certified in Occupational Therapy in 1992 by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and was Board Certified in 2002 by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Her formal education includes a Doctoral degree in Health Psychology (PhD), a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM), a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (BSOT), and two specialty certifications: Certified Functional Medicine Provider (CFMP), and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA). Dr. Theroux-Jette holds the distinction of being the first and only Certified Functional Medicine Provider in Greater Nashua. She empowers her patients to take an active role in addressing modifiable problem areas and expects an active investment in self-care and treatment for best results in restoring function, maintaining health, and achieving healthy longevity. Dr. Theroux-Jette also holds the distinction of being the first and only NH licensed acupuncturist to have earned the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA) specialty certification from the National Association for Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists, and she is honored to be able to provide end-of-life comfort and palliative care. The comprehensive nature of her conventional medical training and holistic medical training serves to “fill the gap” and augment the care of conventional medical providers who may not have time or training to offer individualized care while working within the constraints of insurance driven conventional healthcare systems. She welcomes collaboration with all providers on the patient care team, as open communication facilitates better outcomes and is in the best interest of her patients. Virtual care via telemedicine visits allow Dr. Theroux-Jette to offer functional medicine services to patients from all over the United States. Her practice focus includes treatment of chronic health conditions, preventive medicine, restorative medicine, healthy aging, and immunological, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Complex conditions, pain, and psychological stress are the most common referrals and complaints she sees in her practice. Dr. Theroux-Jette was initially appointed to serve on the New Hampshire Board of Acupuncture Licensing in 2012 by Governor Lynch, was reappointed several times, and served as Chair of the Board for ten years. She is President Emeritus (2005-2012) of the state level professional association of licensed acupuncturists, the New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association. Dr. Theroux-Jette honorably served her country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1989 – 1997 at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Presently, she enjoys giving back to the local and global community as a member of the Rotary Club of Nashua and volunteering with Home Health & Hospice Care Wellspring Chorus. She follows a Pesco-Mediterranean diet, and in her free time enjoys nature, photography, and outdoor activities with her spouse, Ernie Jette.

Seasonal Allergies and Acupuncture: What Science Says