A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology proved what I have known for some time: Acupuncture can relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. Allergy patients who received acupuncture for 3 months, in addition to usual, routine care, not only improved significantly, but the improvements also lasted considerably beyond the treatment period.

Acupuncture has also been recognized by the American Society for Clinical Oncology for easing the side effects of head and neck cancer treatments. A trial showed that patients receiving acupuncture had significant reductions in pain, dry mouth and shoulder dysfunction after head/neck surgery.

This is no surprise to me. Over my years of experience as a classical, five-element acupuncturist, I have often successfully treated patients for the side effects of surgery, radiation and oncology. Acupuncture is also a wonderful resource for people who are enduring the effects of reducing dosages of addictive medicines or undergoing infertility treatments.

In other news, a German study published in Circulation found that acupuncture can lower blood pressure to the same extent as antihypertensive medications and aggressive lifestyle changes, including radical salt restrictions.

What these studies are just beginning to demonstrate is what acupuncturists have known for thousands of years: When the human body is thrown out of balance by illness, physical trauma or emotional distress, acupuncture is a safe and potent way to restore balance and well-being.