Acupuncture as an asthma treatment: Worth exploring?
Acupuncture, a therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is gaining attention as a potential treatment for asthma. While the current state of research shows promising but still preliminary evidence of benefits, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to firmly establish its role in asthma management.
The lung meridian, which runs from the upper central chest to the tip of the thumb, is particularly linked to respiratory health. This meridian has 11 acupuncture points, with Chi Ze (LU5), on the inner portion of the elbow, being of particular interest. Acupuncture has been found to reduce symptoms and improve lung and immune function in some studies, such as one on cough-variant asthma.
Acupressure, a related therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, is low-risk and safe for most people to try. However, it's essential to consult a doctor before attempting acupuncture to determine how it could fit into an asthma treatment plan.
Not all studies show consistently positive results. For instance, a 2015 study reported no significant difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture regarding asthma symptom improvement. On the other hand, a 2017 review could not draw any reliable conclusions regarding the effects of acupressure on asthma or hay fever symptoms due to limited research.
Despite these mixed results, the possible benefits of acupuncture for asthma include symptom reduction, potential adjunctive therapy, individualized treatment, and a low risk of adverse effects. Some scientists believe acupuncture could help with asthma due to its potential anti-inflammatory benefits. A combination of acupuncture and conventional treatment may ease asthma symptoms and decrease the overactive immune response that causes them.
A single acupuncture session each week for six weeks often produces results in clinical studies for asthma relief, but the number of sessions needed can vary. It's crucial to note that acupuncture should not replace standard asthma therapies but may enhance control and quality of life.
One double-blind randomized trial in teenagers with asthma found that Acu-TENS (a technique stimulating acupuncture points via electrical nerve stimulation) significantly improved lung function parameters and reduced serum IgE levels, as well as improved quality of life scores compared to controls. Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, has shown clinical effectiveness and high safety in pediatric allergic diseases, suggesting potential as a complementary or integrative therapy.
However, limitations include small sample sizes, varied acupuncture protocols, and insufficient large-scale randomized controlled trials to draw definitive conclusions. Mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated, though hypotheses involve neuroimmune modulation and reduction in inflammatory markers. Systematic reviews call for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish robust evidence of efficacy specifically for asthma management.
When a person receives acupuncture from a qualified practitioner, it can be a safe treatment. However, some side effects can occur around the needle insertion points, including pain, bleeding, swelling, and skin reactions. During an acute asthma attack, a person should not rely on acupuncture as a substitute for immediate medical intervention, following their asthma action plan and using rescue inhalers.
In summary, acupuncture shows potential benefits for asthma by improving lung function and reducing symptoms with a favorable safety profile. However, research is still evolving, with a need for more rigorous clinical trials to firmly establish its role in asthma management. People should seek medical advice under certain circumstances, such as worsening symptoms, symptoms becoming so frequent or severe that they interfere with daily activities and disrupt sleep or quality of life, or having questions about their asthma management, treatment options, or the potential role of acupuncture.
- Some researchers are exploring acupuncture as a potential treatment for sinus infections, as it has shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting drainage.
- Aside from asthma, therapies and treatments like acupuncture may benefit those with chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by improving lung function and reducing symptoms.
- A workplace-wellness program might incorporate meditation, nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and therapies-and-treatments like acupuncture to promote health-and-wellness for employees.
- Acupuncture treatments can also address mental-health issues like stress and anxiety, as they help to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
- Skin-care companies are now incorporating CBD, a compound found in cannabis, into their products due to its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for skin-conditions like acne and eczema.
- For individuals with severe asthma or other medical-conditions, it is essential to manage diet, exercise, and mental-health in addition to their treatments to ensure overall health and wellness.
- Some people turn to natural remedies like acupuncture or herbal supplements for eye-health, as they believe these therapies can help prevent conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts.
- A recent study showed that a combination of acupuncture and conventional treatments improved symptoms of asthma and hay fever in subjects, suggesting that this therapy could be valuable in managing chronic diseases.
- During acupuncture treatments, practitioners may use various techniques such as laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion to produce the desired therapeutic effects for a wide range of medical-conditions.
- It is essential for people with asthma to have open and honest discussions with their doctors about their treatment options, including acupuncture, to navigate the complex landscape of science and healthcare to find the best approaches to managing their condition.
