OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of acupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion and acupuncture on the common acupoints for life quality of patients with allergic rhinitis(AR).

METHODSEighty patients with AR,who were in accord with the inclusive criteria,were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,40 cases in each one. Acupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion was used in the observation group. The needle was inserted into the gap between zygoma and mandibular coronoid process about 55 mm. Acupuncture was adopted on the main acupoints,Yingxiang(LI 20),Yintang(GV 29) or Fengchi(GB 20) in the control group. The course was four weeks. Follow-up was applied one month after treatment. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ),rhinitis symptoms scale and visual analogue scale(VAS) were evaluated at different time points before and after treatment,and follow-up was implemented to know the recurrence situation,satisfactory degree and adverse reaction.

RESULTS(1) RQLQ scores:along with treatment,the RQLQ scores were gradually apparently decreased in the two groups(<0.01),and the reducing trend from the first week to the second week of the observation group was more obvious than that of the control group. The differences of the RQLQ scores at all timepoints after treatment between the two groups were not statistically significant(all>0.05). The interaction of the time factor and the group factor had statistical significance(<0.01). (2) Rhinitis symptoms scores:along with treatment,the scores presented decreasing trend in the two groups(<0.01). The scores of the two groups after treatment and the interaction of the time factor and the group factor were not statistically different(both>0.05). (3)VAS scores:the VAS scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment(both<0.01). The differences before and after treatment were statistically significant(<0.01),with more change in the observation group(<0.05). (4)There was no statistical significance about the number of recurrence days between the two groups(>0.05). (5) Above 80 percent patients were content with the therapeutic method in each group,with no statistical difference(>0.05). (6)The method of the observation group spent less time. (7) Two patients with light adverse reaction came up in the observation group,but no special treatment was needed.

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion acquires more obvious short-term effect than conventional acupuncture. It spends less time to relieve symptoms and improves life quality.