Recovery of olfactory function in postviral olfactory dysfunction patients after acupuncture treatment

Objective: To assess the effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) in postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) patients who were refractory to standardized treatment and to compare the results with the impact observed in an observation group.
Methods: 50 PVOD patients who were refractory to standardized treatment were treated with  25 were treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture (n=25) or with no treatment (n=25). A subjective olfactory test was performed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). 
Results: Improved olfactory function was observed in 11 patients treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture compared with 4 patients who received no treatment. 
Conclusion: Traditional Chinese acupuncture may aid the treatment of PVOD patients who are refractory to drugs or other therapies.

Read the original paper here.