Research Progress on the Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Prevention and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Objective To research the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating and preventing allergic rhinitis. Methods We searched PubMed; Google Scholar; Semantic Scholar; Academic Keys; Citation; Dimensions; EuroPub; Index (A & HCI); Compendex; Conference Proceedings Citation; and Science Citation Index. We reviewed the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis from the perspectives of Th1/Th2 balance regulation, IgE level reduction, lowering of inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa, regulation of nasal neuropeptide (substance P) level, inhibition of Toll-like receptors, and NF.B protein expression. Results Acupuncture can play a therapeutic role in AR. Combining different aspects such as the influence on Th1 and Th2 subsets of cells, regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, reduction of IgE level, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa, regulation of nasal neuropeptide (substance P) level, inhibition of Toll-like receptor, and NF.B protein expression, the mechanism of action of acupuncture for AR can be elucidated more comprehensively. Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to treat allergic rhinitis in several ways.