Background
itching, rhinorrhea, respiratory allergic disease, Allergic rhinitis, Acupuncture, nasal blockage, rhinitis
ADVERSE EFFECTS, RHINITIS, ALLERGIC RHINITIS, CAVITY
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic respiratory allergic disease mediated by IgE that is characterized by the clinical symptoms of sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea and nasal blockage. It affects 10–40% of the population, approximately one billion people worldwide [Currently, conventional medical treatment can effectively relieve AR symptoms. However, there is still poor clinical efficacy in some patients and adverse effects of these medications. Although no comprehensive assessment of their antiallergic–rhinitis mechanisms has been published, and scientific results have yet been undertaken, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs are beneficial against AR [Acupuncture is a widely used and relatively safe nonpharmacological treatment for some conditions. It is gradually becoming an important complementary and alternative strategy for the treatment of AR [We have applied a novel and alternative therapy for PAR via intranasal acupuncture (IA) in the clinic and achieved good effects. IA is a treatment involving the needling of specific areas (Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) and Biqiu points) in the nasal cavity (Fig. Schematic diagram of intranasal acupuncture (When aiming at the Neiyingxiang or Biqiu point, the applicator quickly inserted the needle to a 20-mm depth as parallel as possible to the inferior turbinate or middle turbinate, without special reinforcing and reducing techniques (the needle remained for 20 min). 