With all the spectacular change that spring brings us, for many, it signals the start of seasonal allergies.
Frequently called “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants.
Pollen and other activators like dust, mold, and animal dander trigger an overreaction of the immune system leading to symptoms including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation, among others.
Patients typically seek acupuncture treatment for their allergy symptoms when they cannot manage them or when other therapies and medications are ineffective.
We often see patients with perpetual cycles of sinusitis or sinus infections requiring repeated medical intervention. Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.
The great news for patients suffering from allergy symptoms is that acupuncture frequently works. In addition, acupuncture treatment can be safely used with other therapies and medications.
Acupuncture treatment is quite effective and simple and lasts for extended periods, so patients do not have to continue treatment to maintain relief.
The frequency and number of acupuncture treatments for seasonal allergies and sinusitis will vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. In the studies mentioned below, participants usually received acupuncture treatments twice a week for eight weeks. However, treatment periods may vary for some.
Let’s look at some of the studies supporting trying acupuncture.
Research Shows Acupuncture’s Effectiveness
One study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2016 found that acupuncture can improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and decrease the use of allergy medications in adults.
The study followed 40 adults with allergic rhinitis who received acupuncture treatments twice weekly for eight weeks. The results showed significant improvement in symptoms, including nasal itching, sneezing, and congestion.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2018 found that acupuncture can reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies in adolescents. The study followed 71 adolescents with seasonal allergies who received either acupuncture or a placebo for eight weeks.
The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvement in symptoms compared to the placebo group.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that acupuncture can improve the quality of life and reduce the use of allergy medications in patients with allergic rhinitis. The study observed 63 patients with allergic rhinitis who received either acupuncture or placebo treatment for eight weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group experienced improvement in quality of life and decreased use of allergy medications.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that patients with seasonal allergies who received acupuncture once a week for six weeks saw improvements in their symptoms. The study followed 63 patients with seasonal allergies and found that acupuncture was more effective than a sham treatment.
In a review of 13 studies on acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, which was published in the journal Allergy in 2013, the authors found that the number of acupuncture treatments ranged from two to 24 sessions. However, they noted that there was no clear consensus on the optimal number of treatments or the frequency of treatments.
It’s also important to note that acupuncture is often used with other treatments for seasonal allergies, such as medication or nasal irrigation. Your acupuncturist may recommend a combination of treatments based on your individual needs.
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice looked at 21 randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for allergic rhinitis. The authors found that acupuncture was more effective than placebo or no treatment in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2015 analyzed 13 studies on acupuncture for allergic rhinitis. The authors found that acupuncture effectively reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms and the benefits persisted for at least six months after treatment.
While more research is needed to determine the optimal frequency and number of acupuncture treatments for seasonal allergies, the available studies suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment option.