A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis: safe and effective

This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study and 238 participants were randomized:

- active acupuncture (97 people)
- sham acupuncture (94)
- waitlist group (47)

The active and sham acupuncture groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for 4 weeks. In the sham group, minimal acupuncture at nonacupuncture points was used. The waitlist group did not receive any acupuncture treatment.

Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was reduced in the active acupuncture group compared with the sham acupuncture (difference: −1.03, P = 0.03) and waitlist (difference: −2.49).

Both active and sham acupuncture treatments resulted in significant improvements in TNSS and TNNSS compared to baseline.

Acupuncture showed a greater effect on symptoms of allergic rhinitis than sham acupuncture. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis decreased significantly after treatment in the both acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. Acupuncture appears to be an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis.

References:

http://buff.ly/UXO8KE