By: Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Meridian Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
A pathophysiologic relationship between allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis and asthma has long been suggested. However, with Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, few clinical studies of acupuncture have been conducted on these comorbid conditions. 48-year-old male suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis with comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma since the age of 18 years was studied. He complained of nasal obstruction, sneezing, cough, rhinorrhea, and moderate dyspnea. He occasionally visited local ear-nose-throat clinics for his nasal symptoms but gained only periodic symptom relief. The patient was treated with acupuncture, infrared radiation to the face, and electro-acupuncture.
Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis
Needles were inserted at bilateral LI20, GV23, LI4, and EX-1 sites with De-qi. Electro-acupuncture was performed simultaneously at both LI20 sites and additional traditional Korean acupuncture treatments were performed. Each session lasted for 10 min and the sessions were carried out twice a week for 5 weeks. The patient’s Mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire score decreased from 38, at the beginning of treatment, to 23, 3 weeks after the last treatment. The Total Nasal Symptom Score was reduced from six (baseline) to five, 3 weeks after the last treatment. There was significant clinical improvement in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s-from 3.01 to 3.50 l-with discontinuation of the inhaled corticosteroid, and no asthma-related complaints were reported. Further clinical studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture for the patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or rhinosinusitis with comorbid asthma are needed.
Acupuncture Zen in Delray Beach has had extensive acupuncture training in Shanghai and Anhui, China in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. There are key points that open the sinus and transform the phlegm. This treatment opens congestion and helps the patient breathe easier.
Dr. Tony Willcox has helped many patients with the treatment of Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis and other nasal conditions.