The Effectiveness Of Acupuncture For Problems With Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory disease affecting millions of adults and, increasingly, children around the world. The symptoms of asthma are very recognizable, from wheezing (breathing with difficulty and with a whistling sound) to phlegm (the thick mucus secreted in the lungs and airway passages, and released through the mouth). Asthma can range from mild to life threatening.

Acupuncturists claim that you can get asthma relief through treatments and herbs. There are many studies related to the success of acupuncture treatment for asthma that have been reported in medical journals. A study conducted at the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care in the University Hospital of Vienna revealed that over 70% of patients with long-standing asthma reported a significant improvement of their ailments after 10 weeks of acupuncture treatment.

There are two types of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic. Both respond to acupuncture. Intrinsic asthma is caused by such things as chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection and emotional upset. Extrinsic is allergy related and is triggered by pollen, dust and molds. Studies in China involving acupuncture have shown that needling one of the acupuncture points increased breathing capacity by 6.6%. Acupuncture appears to act on the nervous system. Acupuncture also appears to reduce the level of inflammatory chemicals in the blood, therefore reducing allergic responses. Acupuncture strengthens a person’s constitution and overall health so that the allergic response is reduced.

Besides traditional acupuncture with needles, practitioners can also use another acupuncture treatment called “cupping”. Unlike using needles, cupping works with suction. In cupping, a cup is applied to the skin on the back. The pressure in the cup is reduced by using heat or by suctioning out air, so that the skin and muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. Heat is put on a bottle of alcohol. Then the alcohol is put under a little glass jar to take the oxygen out. It creates suction on the back, and when it does, it brings blood to the area, warms the lungs and loosens the phlegm and gets it out. Circulation is improved, and the chest and lungs are opened up.

Many doctors have reported that regardless of the type of asthma, acupuncture has proven incredibly effective in lowering the symptoms or even completely eliminating asthma in their patients. Patients report that they don’t have to use their medication anymore; they can leave their inhaler at home during their morning run, or their child can now play with other kids without fearing an asthma attack.

Why is this asthma solution not more common? With its overwhelming evidence and virtually zero side effects, it is a wonder why more asthma clinics and physicians do not offer this option to their patients. As the population of asthma sufferers continues to rise, we will continue to be flooded with TV commercials for the latest asthma drugs. Instead of resigning yourself to a collection of medications, turn towards your local acupuncturist. Both your body and your pocketbook will be much healthier (and happier).

About the Author:
Stephen Kelly is a entrepreneur and freelance writer. Be sure to check out this Boston Physical Therapy website for more great articles like this one.