Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Chen, Qing; Zhang, Qinxiu; Jiang, Luyun; Li, Xinrong; Liu, Yang; Mu, Shan; Liu, Ying; Wang, Xiaopei; Yun-zhi, YU; Li, Min

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-301

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The efficacy of modern acupuncture is related to its anti-inflammatory effects via a complex neuroendocrine and immunological network [ 4 ]. A negative feedback loop between the autonomic nervous system and innate immunity modulates the body’s immune response [ 9 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The effect of acupuncture at the SPA may be mediated via the autonomic nervous system and innate immunity. Acupuncture affects nasal function by the regulation of neural reflexes in the immune system [ 9 ]. Experimental evidence suggests that the electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve inhibits the activation of macrophages and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-18 [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, acupuncture was not widely recommended for the treatment of AR in the past due to a lack of solid clinical and experimental evidence supporting its efficacy [ 1 ]. Since 2015, accumulated evidence, especially from multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials, has demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating PAR [ 6 – 9 ]. As a result, acupuncture is now listed on the AR guidelines in the USA [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis via acupuncture at the sphenopalatine acupoint: a randomized controlled trial

Chen

Lin

et al. 2018

Trials

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BackgroundAllergic rhinitis is a common respiratory disease. Acupuncture is used to treat it in traditional Chinese medicine, and generally, the L120, ST2 and ST36 acupoints are selected in clinical practice. We report a new method of acupuncture at the sphenopalatine acupoint (SPA) for treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). The effect of this treatment was investigated using two different needling depths. The efficacy of this treatment was associated with accurate stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG).Methods/DesignA total of 61 patients diagnosed with PAR were randomly allocated to either the acupuncture or the sham acupuncture group. The difference between the groups was the needle depth when acupuncture was administered, which was 50 mm and 20 mm. Alteration in total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was the primary outcome. Quality of life, medication dosages and adverse events were secondary outcomes, measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Confidence assessment was performed to evaluate data from the treatment and follow-up periods.ResultsResults were: (1) average TNSS in the treatment group was significantly lower than in the control group at week 4 (median and 25th and 75th percentiles were 5.00 (4.00, 7.00) and 8.00 (7.00, 10.00), respectively (P < 0.001)). However, scores in the two groups were not significantly different at week 12; (2) quality of life (RQLQ) was significantly improved at week 2 in the treatment group compared to the control group (scores of 35.47 ± 8.20 and 45.48 ± 8.84; P < 0.001); (3) during the follow-up period, the medication dosage in the treatment group was much lower than in the control group (3.64 ± 1.45 and 6.14 ± 2.34; P < 0.05); and (4) no adverse events were observed in either group during treatment.ConclusionsThis pilot study revealed a profound effect of acupuncture at the SPA on prevention of PAR development. The TNSS in the treatment group (needle depth 50 mm), was significantly lower than in the control group (needle depth of only 20 mm). Our result demonstrates that performing acupuncture directly at the SPA to stimulate the SPG is an effective method to treat PAR.Trial registrationAcupuncture Clinical Trial Registry, AMCTR-OOR-16000014 and Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-IOR-16009211. Registered on 1 September 1 2016.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis via acupuncture at the sphenopalatine acupoint: a randomized controlled trial

Chen

Lin

et al. 2018

Trials

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“…Following the herbal treatment, the nasal rhinocytograms of patients revealed significant reduction of eosinophil, neutrophil and epithelia cell counts, and there was clinicallyimproved nasal breathing in all cases. Similarly, a single-blind study in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis investigating the effects of combining acupuncture and Chinese herbs has demonstrated significant alleviation of symptoms and improved quality of life compared to the effect of imitated acupuncture and non-specific herbs [43].…”

Section: Efficacy Of Herbal Compoundsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence-based phytotherapy in allergic rhinitis

et al. 2018

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Allergic rhinitis is one of the most important medical conditions; with around 10-25% of the global population suffering from allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis also increases the risk of bronchial asthma, chronic sinusitis, and otitis media. While allergen-specific immunotherapy, antihistamine drugs, cromones, and topical and systemic corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, phytotherapy for allergic rhinitis as alternative treatment is not commonly employed worldwide. Furthermore, like conventional therapies, specific plants may demonstrate adverse effects as they may possibly act as sources of allergens, which can cause immediate or delayed-type allergic reactions resulting in unexpected clinical manifestations. Despite the prevalence of a generally critical and sceptical attitude towards the use of phototherapy for treatment of allergic rhinitis, the search for herbal drugs for the treatment of this disease is underway. In this regard, some studies confirm a lack of efficacy for some herbal medicine, while other trials provide evidence for relatively high efficacy of phytodrugs for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Despite the shortcomings of many of these trials, the findings of efficacy and safety from these trials for the different preparations appear to be promising, and have encouraged an increasing number of studies to search for new medical herbs or their combinations for allergic rhinitis therapy. This article reviews the available evidence-based information on the experience of phototherapy for allergic rhinitis employed in oriental and European medicine.

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“…Previous studies have shown that treatment efficacy increases with the use of manipulations [5,6]. In addition, the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and norepinephrine were altered with acupuncture depth [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Quantitative Comparison of Acupuncture Needle Force Generation According to Diameter

Lee¹,

Bong²,

Kim³

et al. 2018

J Acupunct Res

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Background: Various factors can alter the efficacy of acupuncture treatment, such as the location of points, manipulations, depth of insertion, needle retention time, and needle type. In this study, the effect of needle diameter on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment was quantitatively evaluated. Methods: Five acupuncture needles of different diameters used in clinical practice were compared. Force on the porcine tissue phantom was measured using a sensor. Lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements were performed using a needle insertion-measurement system. After repeated measurements, force magnitude was calculated and compared. Following this, we correlated needle diameter and force magnitude during lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements. Results: The force magnitude was significantly altered between needle diameters during lifting-thrusting movements, as shown by a significant positive correlation between needle diameter and force magnitude. In contrast, there was no difference in force magnitude with different needle diameters during twisting-rotating movements. Conclusion: Needle diameter can significantly affect stimuli and force magnitude dependent upon the type of manipulation. Research into the effect of other needle type characteristics and stimulation method is necessary to fully elucidate the role of acupuncture needle choice in treatment efficacy.

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Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Cited by 12 publications

References 20 publications

Treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis via acupuncture at the sphenopalatine acupoint: a randomized controlled trial

Treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis via acupuncture at the sphenopalatine acupoint: a randomized controlled trial

Evidence-based phytotherapy in allergic rhinitis

Quantitative Comparison of Acupuncture Needle Force Generation According to Diameter

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