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.