Do You Have A Pollen Allergy? Consider Acupuncture
A study from the Berlin University Hospital proves that acupuncture reduces symptoms and the need for antihistamines.
Acupuncture achieves better results than antihistamine drugs in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (between March and May), which affects one in every fourth people, according to a study conducted at the Hosptial Charité of the University of Berlin.
The study was conducted with 414 people with allergy symptoms aged 16 to 45 years. The participants were divided into several groups that received different treatments for 8 weeks. One received real acupuncture and antihistamines if necessary. A second group was given sham acupuncture and also antihistamines if symptoms appeared. And a third group received only antihistamine drugs (cetirizine and methylprednisolone, drugs that can cause side effects drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tiredness and sore throat).
Acupuncture reduces the need for medication
The researchers found that people with allergy symptoms – sneezing, itching, and a blocked or runny nose (ie, runny nose) – who received acupuncture sessions required fewer medications and enjoyed greater symptom relief.
Only 60% of the people who went to acupuncture also took antihistamines and only in 9 days on average. On the other hand, the percentage rose to 71% and 13 days in the false acupuncture group and to 82% and 18 days in the third group.
Improves quality of life
That is, allergy sufferers who received acupuncture took three times less antihistamines and their quality of life improved. The study authors state that “symptoms decreased significantly in the acupuncture group compared to the other study groups.”
The acupuncture points chosen for treatment were: LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), LI20 (Yingxiang), Yintang (extra) and three of the following eight: EX5 (Bitong), GB20 (Fengchi), LV3 (Taichong) , LU7 (Lieque), ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), TB17 (Yifeng) and BL13 (Feishu).
The researchers conclude that acupuncture “may be considered a valuable and complementary treatment option for patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.” The study was published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine.
Reference:
Daniela Adam et al. “Impact of acupuncture on antihistamine use in patients suffering seasonal allergic rhinitis: secondary analysis of results from a randomized controlled trial”. Acupuntcure in Medicine . 10.1136 / acupmed-2017-011382
