Trends and Hotspots of Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2002 to 2022

Objective: The study aims to investigate and visualize the hotspots of acupuncture for Allergic rhinitis (AR) over the past two decades and pinpoint future trends in this field.

Method: We conducted a systematic search of English-language articles or reviews on acupuncture for AR in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2002 to 2022. Using Citespace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix, we analyzed and visualized the publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords from various angles.

Result: The study identified 197 documents, 80 journals, 458 keywords, and 928 authors associated with acupuncture for AR. Although article publication fluctuated over the past 20 years, an overall upward trend emerged, with rapid growth during the second decade. China contributed the most to acupuncture research on AR and had the closest collaborations with the United States and Germany. China Medical University was the most prolific institution, and Benno Brinkhaus was the most productive and influential author. The most published journal was Medicine, while the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology was the most frequently cited journal. The highest frequency keywords included acupuncture, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Randomized controlled trials and alternative & complementary medicine remained significant research hotspots, while rhinoconjunctivitis is expected to be the emerging focus of future investigations.

Conclusion: acupuncture has experienced robust development for the treatment of allergic rhinitis over the last two decades, with rhinoconjunctivitis and clinical research being the anticipated trends and frontiers of future research.