Food allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis are serious illnesses. Their pathophysiology is complex and includes immunological dysregulation, environmental exposure, and genetic predisposition. Modern lifestyles have led to an increase in the incidence of allergy disorders, which have a substantial impact on quality of life by generating psychological problems like anxiety and depression in addition to physical symptoms.
Both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated immune responses are involved in allergy disorders. Mast cell activation and degranulation trigger IgE-mediated responses, which release histamine and inflammatory mediators to start and maintain allergic inflammation. Mast cells are important therapeutic targets since they also contribute to persistent inflammation.
The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical treatment, have drawn interest. Research indicates that by controlling mast cell activity, lowering IgE levels, rebalancing Th1/Th2 cytokines, and inhibiting inflammatory pathways, acupuncture may help reduce allergy symptoms. In order to reduce allergy symptoms, this review investigates how acupuncture modulates mast cells.
To find published studies, this study searched the PubMed and Embase databases between January 2010 and January 2025. The following search terms were used: [“acupuncture” or “electroacupuncture”], [“allergic disease” or “asthma” or “allergic rhinitis” or “dermatitis” or “urticaria”], [“mast cell”]. Articles that didn't fit the criteria were eliminated, and 365 peer-reviewed papers on human and animal models were included.
Histamine and IgE levels were lowered by acupuncture's inhibition of mast cell degranulation. Through the suppression of NF-κB, MAPK (p38, ERK), and TLR4/MyD88 pathways, it increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13). Clinically, it alleviated atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma (FEV1/PEF increase). Preclinically, it further decreased inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis and decreasing eosinophil infiltration.
Overall, all things considered, acupuncture has substantial scientific value and therapeutic potential in controlling mast cells and their use in allergic disorders. Even though the results of present study are still conflicting, more investigation and standardized trials might make acupuncture a useful supplemental treatment for allergic disorders.
Source:
Li, Y., Meng, Y., Chen, C., Jiang, K., & Li, J. (2025). A review of acupuncture for allergic disorders: Modulation of mast cell regulation via inflammatory pathway suppression and cytokine balance. International Journal of General Medicine, 18, 7739–7754. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijgm.s579576
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