Asthma is a respiratory disease and chronic inflammatory disorder that affects 339 million people[1] around the world, with more cases of the disease being found each year. A condition that can affect both children and adults; there are a variety of types of asthma. The most common types are occupational asthma (contracted by those working within a particular field of work), adult-onset asthma, childhood asthma, and seasonal/allergic asthma.
Characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness and airflow obstruction, the symptoms of asthma vary from chest tightness or pain to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Severe asthma can also result in difficulty of movement or speech. Without treatment, an asthma attack can prove to be fatal. Acupuncture has been used to treat the symptoms of asthma and maximize lung function, with many long-lasting results.
Many people are turning towards acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to help with their asthma. When discussing the latter, herbal medicine is usually used in conjunction with CAM (alternative medicine) treatment. There have been an array of clinical studies published that look at the effect of herbal treatment (including one by CH Hsu, CM Lu, and TT Chang[2]). The research showed a definite improvement in both asthma symptoms and airway function.
Similarly, many trials and studies have been documented over the years to test the effectiveness of using acupuncture to treat asthma. One, in particular, written in Acupuncture in Children and Adolescents with Bronchial Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Study, treated 93 children with usual asthma care, with a random group chosen to undergo acupuncture treatment.
The results of the study demonstrated that, after receiving the treatment three times a week over the course of a month – “The primary outcome, pre-to-post assessment in peak expiratory flow, revealed a significant effect in the acupuncture group as compared to the usual care group”[3]. The study showcased the positive effects of using acupuncture to help treat asthma, highlighting decreased anxiety, and improved peak flow variability.
A licensed acupuncturist will begin by taking a complete health history from you.
They will then create a treatment plan which is tailored to you, that is designed to utilize the natural healing pathways within your body. It will often include both acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
As mentioned above, without treatment, asthma can prove to be fatal. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been shown effective in treating asthma and improving lung function. Children are particularly responsive to this form of medicine and can have long-lasting improvements in their symptoms.
To better understand how our clinic can assist with the treatment of asthma, call to schedule your consultation.
[1] The Global Asthma Report 2018 - http://www.globalasthmareport.org/Global%20Asthma%20Report%202018.pdf
[2] Hsu CH, Lu CM, Chang TT. Efficacy and safety of modified Mai-Men-Dong-Tang for treatment of allergic asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2005 Feb;16(1):76-81.
[3] Scheewe.S, Vogt L, Minakawa S, et al. Acupuncture in Children and Adolescents with Bronchial Asthma: A Randomised Controlled Study. Complement Ther Med. Oct 2011; 19 (5): 239-246
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