Abstract

Acupuncture has an historical significance and currently its’ use and esteem are growing in modern medicine. Acupuncture points, or acu points are specific foci along lineer meridians or channels on skin surface. Recently, they are stimulated with needles, ultrasound, palpation, light and electric resistance. Acupuncture is based on influencing of acu points. However there is no standard definition or clinical approach to acupuncture. Needling techniques and forms of stimulation vary widely across patients and practitioners. During the last 50 years, acupuncture techniques have been put into practice in different regions of the world by most medical specialties, including allergic diseases.
In this review, effects of acupuncture on immune system, and the possible mechanisms in allergic diseases are discussed. According to published data, effectiveness of acupuncture in allergic diseases seems to be related with the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is resulted in increased steroid production. Evidence from large randomised trials, including follow-up measurements of markers of inflammation, could be obtained to prove the immunologic effects of acupuncture.

Key words: Allergy and Immunology, Acupuncture

Article Language: Turkish English