Acupuncture is Highly Effective in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs at the same time each year when certain trees, foliage and flowers are in bloom. This is the most common and prevalent type of allergy I see in my clinic. Symptoms typically include itchy burning eyes, greenish yellow nasal discharge, stuffy and/or runny nose, headaches, shortness of breath, itchy and dry skin, insomnia and general irritability. Sounds familiar? Did you know that approximately 10 to 20 percent of the general populace suffers from allergic rhinitis? The estimated health care cost is between $4.5 and $7.7 billion per year in the United States.1 This does not take into account days missed from the workplace or school.  In China, this type of pathology is considered to be ‘wind heat’ and has been successful treated with the combination of acupuncture and herbal formulas for centuries.
In 2004, Allergy published the results of a double blind clinical trial testing the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas. The test concluded that this combination of treatment modalities was very effective for the relief of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The subjects of this clinical trial experienced relief in their eyes and nose, performed more physical activity, and enjoyed a much improved psychological condition.  Ideally, it is wise to begin addressing seasonal rhinitis one or two months before a person is historically affected. Early treatment results in little or no symptoms throughout the season. There are many different herbal formulas (pill form) that I incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan. Treatments vary from week to week because the person’s condition improves after every acupuncture session. In general, for the person suffering from chronic rhinitis for years will visit my office twice weekly for the first several weeks, then once weekly as their condition improves. As the immune system is tonified, the patient’s overall health condition improves and is then put onto a maintenance plan of once visit every 3 to 4 weeks.

References
1. Management of Allergic Rhinitis in the Working-Age Population. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 67. AHRQ Publication No. 03-E013, February 2003. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/rhinworksum.htm.
2. Brinkhaus R, Hummelsberger J, Kohnen R, et al. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized-controlled clinical trial. Allergy 2004;59:953-960.
3. Deadman P. The treatment of allergic rhinitis by acupuncture. J Chin Med 1991;36:25-27.
4. Maciocia G. The Practice of Chinese Medicine. The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1994.