Integrative medicine in allergy and immunology

Allergy and immunology is the study of disorders affecting the immune system. In past decades, various clinical and bench studies have investigated the risk factors and underlying mechanisms of allergy and immunology. Meanwhile, conventional therapy is often unsatisfactory due to limitations in effectiveness and potential adverse effects. Occasionally, better solutions can be offered through integrative medicine (IM). Chinese medicine (CM) integrated with conventional therapy is the most popular preventive and therapeutic approach in Asian and Chinese communities around the world. CM has evolved as a unique system of medical practice from ancient China based on empirical knowledge. Through thousands of years of “real-world” situations with large numbers of patients, it has now been integrated with conventional approaches. IM plays a role in the diagnosis, treatment, and preventive approaches of immune-related diseases. Such as allergic rhinitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. IM techniques include decoctions, acupuncture, moxibustion, and mind-body exercises. Recently, the research development of CM and IM has improved due to global clinical needs and clinical research funding support. Thousands of clinical studies including clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews have been developed and published. However, the studies vary based on quality, interventions, and recommendations. It is necessary to review the evidence to provide practical suggestions for clinical use.