Pilot Study to Evaluate Ear Acupressure Effects in Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical potential of ear acupressure in
treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. We hypothesize that ear acupressure will be effective
in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis by changing the immune parameters and the
psychological impact factors such as expectation, stress, depression, and anxiety can
moderate the ear acupressure treatment effectiveness in allergic rhinitis by influencing the
immune parameters.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Seasonal allergic rhinitis was diagnosed both by history and clinical
examination and by the presence at positive skin prick tests

- All participants need to have at least 2 years of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms
and a positive skin prick test to one or more pollen allergens

Exclusion Criteria:

- use of systemic corticosteroids within past 3 months period,

- active asthma,

- hearing aid usage,

- history of adhesive tape allergy,

- history of metal allergy,

- HIV,

- hepatitis B or C,

- history of hematologic, autoimmune, or malignant disease,

- pregnancy or lactation,

- ear acupressure (EAP) or acupuncture for respiratory disease within the last 6 months