Acupuncture may reduce itching associated with eczema, according to a German study. In people with eczema, the skin is abnormally sensitive to allergens, causing it to become red, flaky and itchy.
The study involved 30 individuals with atopic eczema. Researchers exposed participants' skin to allergens (dust mites or grass pollen) before and after three test conditions: acupuncture at points thought to benefit itchy skin in traditional Chinese medicine, "placebo-point" acupuncture in skin areas not used in Chinese medicine and no acupuncture.
When participants were exposed to allergens before treatment, the intensity of itching was significantly lower for true acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture and no acupuncture.
When participants were exposed to allergens again after treatment, there was significantly less skin inflammation following true acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture and no acupuncture. However, itch intensity was significantly lower for both true and placebo acupuncture compared to no acupuncture.
More research is needed to determine if acupuncture would benefit eczema patients outside of this experimental setting.
References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/
2.Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, Gatti A, et al. Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema - a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Allergy. [Epub ahead of print] View Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20002660?dopt=Abstract
http://www.depsyl.com/
http://back2basicnutrition.com/
http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/
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