Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥18 years and ≤ 75 years; 2. History of moderate to severe SAR symptoms (Visual analog scale(VAS) \>50 mm, range, 0 cm\[not at all bothersome\] to 100 mm\[extremely bothersome\]) for more than 4 days/weeks, and more than 4 consecutive weeks with at least two years' duration; 3. Positive skin prick test to grass and birch pollen or/and serum-specific IgE test; 4. Ability to complete the medical information form and sign a written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History or current evidence of perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, allergic asthma, pneumonia; autoimmune disorders, or severe chronic inflammatory diseases; 2. History of nasal rhinopolypus or abnormalities; 3. Intake of antihistamines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, decongestants, or antibiotics during the 1 month prior to beginning the study; 4. History of systemically administered corticosteroids within 6 months or specific immunotherapy, allergy desensitization therapy within 1 year before enrollment; 5. Serious uncontrolled blood coagulation disorder, cardiovascular disorder, severe hepatic/renal insufficiency or mental disorder; 6. Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy; 7. Known allergy, or contraindication to rescue medication or related drugs; 8. Known phobia to acupuncture or having received acupuncture treatment, or sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation or other complementary and alternative medicine within 1 months prior to enrollment.