A study conducted in Hong Kong has demonstrated acupuncture can bring relief to the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In a three-armed trial, 96 patients aged 18 to 65, were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture, acupuncture plus herbal moxibustion, or a place on a waiting list control group. Acupuncture was given three times a week for four weeks, making 12 sessions in total. All groups received advice on a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise.
Compared to the waiting list group, both treatment groups showed statistically significant improvements in symptom and quality of life scores. There were no significant differences between them, suggesting no additional benefit from moxibustion. No adverse events from acupuncture were reported.
(Acupuncture and herbal moxibustion for the treatment of ‘BiQiu’ (allergic rhinitis symptoms) in a Hong Kong Chinese medicine clinic: a randomized controlled trial. Chinese Medicine, 8 November 2019.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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