The World Health Organization (WHO) list of diseases for which acupuncture
is commonly used includes acute rhinitis. Empirical evidence suggests
that rhinitis is particularly likely to respond when the allergic
component is prominent (i.e. in hayfever). Studies have shown that
significant reductions in symptoms such as congestion, nasal discharge,
sneezing and itch can be achieved. Many patients become symptom
free. These changes are accompanied by significant falls in the
number of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E levels in blood and in
nasal secretions (Lao, Wong & Slater 1975; Lee 1976). Improvement
with acupuncture was found to be significantly superior to chlorpheniramine
taken thrice daily (Chari et al 1988). Rhinomanometer measurements
following aucpuncture of local points around the nose showed a 50%
increase in nasal airflow (Bu & Nakano). Local needling may
produce immediate reflex vasoconstriction, which reduces rhinorrhea
and the symptoms of sneezing, blockage and irritation. Additional
distal points may influence the immune system and thereby reduce
the allergic response (Filshie & White 1998).
Lau
B H S, Wong, DS, Slater M 1975. Effect of acupuncture on
allergic rhinitis: clinical and laboratory evaluations.
American Journal of Chinese Medicine 3(3):263-270.
Bu C, Nakano T 1990 Clinical
application of rhinomanometer. Chinese Medical journal
103(11):956 958.
Chari P, Biwas S, Mann
S B S, Sehgal S, Mehra Y N 1988 American Journal of Acupuncture
16(2):143-147.
Lee T-N 1976 Treatment
of rhinitis with acupuncture. American Journal of Acupuncture
4(4):357-361.
Williamson L, et al 1996
Hay fever treatment in general practice-randomised controlled
trial comparing standardised Western acupuncture with sham acupuncture.
Acupuncture in Medicine 14(1):6-10.
Williamson L 1994. Hay
fever prophylaxis using single point acupuncture: a pilot study.
Acupuncture in Medicine 12(2):84-87.
Luo F 1992 Auricular-plaster
therapy for treating 155 cases of allergic rhinitis. International
Journal of Clinical Acupuncture 3(2):205-207 |