Acupuncture May Reduce The Itch Related To Eczema

According to a new study, a session of acupuncture may help relieve the itch associated with the allergic skin condition known as atopic eczema, Reuters reports.

Eczema is a persistent condition that is associated with skin inflammation and dry rashes. The most common form, atopic eczema, is usually seen in people with allergies such as hay fever or asthma.

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich found that acupuncture therapy, when done within minutes of the initial exposure to an allergen, appeared to soothe subjective feelings of itchiness, according to the news source.

Additionally, scientists found that when patients were exposed to an allergen directly after a session of acupuncture, they tended to have a less severe skin reaction.

The Mayo Clinic reports that acupuncture may also be used to help alleviate symptoms associated with headaches, lower back pain, menstrual cramps as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Although there are very few side effects associated with acupuncture, it is not for everyone. People who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders and people with pacemakers should consult a doctor before submitting to the procedure.