Helix Clinic blog

A recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology by Brinkhaus et.al. (Nov 2008) gives evidence to suggest that acupuncture is an effective therapy for allergic rhinitis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with routine care in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with treatment with routine care alone.

The Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was filled in by patients at the start of the trial and again after 3 and 6 months. 487 patients were assigned to the acupuncture group, and 494 patients were in the control group (routine care without acupuncture).

The researchers found that the quality of life for patients as measured by the questionnaire was significantly higher in the acupuncture group compared to the control group after 3 months. The researchers also found that the improvement from acupuncture was greatest in the initial 3 month period.

The results of this trial are positive for acupuncture and  suggest that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.

Tags: allergic rhinitis