Although research is limited, acupuncture appears to be effective when used in conjunction with medications.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects approximately 26 million people in the United States alone, or approximately 1 in 13 people. For people living with this condition, several traditional and complementary treatments are available to help manage chronic symptoms.
Acupuncture is one alternative treatment option that research suggests may help improve asthma symptoms.
Below, we explore research on how effective acupuncture is for asthma symptoms and provide details on what to expect when receiving acupuncture for asthma.
Although acupuncture has a long history as an alternative treatment for chronic diseases, research on its effectiveness for asthma is limited.
Two recent literature reviews suggest that acupuncture may have some effect on asthma symptoms.
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One reason acupuncture is helpful in treating asthma symptoms is because it appears to have anti-inflammatory effects.In fact, some
Because asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition, this may explain why acupuncture is effective.
Still, research on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment for asthma remains mixed, and researchers believe that larger studies are still needed to determine the benefits and risks. Masu.
Acupuncture is a relatively safe treatment for most people. However, common reactions to acupuncture can occur, including:
- pain where the needle was inserted
- Bleeding at the needle puncture site
- Swelling around the needle insertion site
- Other skin reactions near the needle site
Other possibilities
- Pain far away from where the needle was inserted
- worsening of symptoms
- Changes in digestion, sleep, and sexual desire
- Central nervous system symptoms
If side effects persist, be sure to consult your acupuncturist.
Acupuncture points exist along “energy highways” or pathways called meridians. Each meridian is associated with a different area of the body, and an acupuncturist may be able to manipulate points along these meridians to reduce symptoms.
Both
- Lung meridian: The Lung meridian has 11 acupuncture points that run from the upper center of the chest along the upper arm to the tip of the thumb. LU5 is an acupuncture point on the inside of the elbow that is particularly associated with respiratory health.
- Heart meridian: The heart meridian has nine acupuncture points that run from the armpit along the bottom of the arm to the tip of the little finger. It is believed that acupuncture points along this meridian may indirectly affect the lungs.
During an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist may use these and other acupressure points on your body to reduce asthma symptoms and improve immune system function.
When it comes to alternative and complementary treatments, everyone’s treatment needs are different. Some people see improvement after just a few short sessions, while others find it takes several weeks to see changes.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help improve symptoms and reduce immune system responses in asthma patients. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of these benefits, especially for large populations.
If you are considering incorporating complementary options into your asthma treatment, consider talking to your doctor about which options are safe and effective for you.
