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.)