Acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergies

Acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms in some people with runny noses and watery eyes, according to a recent study out of Germany, but the effect seems to be small.

Researchers studied the effect of acupuncture over eight weeks and reported a decrease in allergy symptoms, according to Fox News.

The exact mechanism is not known or even clear; however, the researchers believe that it may be due to an effect on the immune system.

In some cases, it appeared a reduction in the amount of allergy medications might be possible, they said.

They suggested that acupuncture might be helpful when combined with Western treatments.

But they said that patients should discuss with their allergist before changing or stopping any medications.

The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.