Acupuncture can be a helpful non-drug approach to help manage your asthma symptoms
If you live with asthma, you know how difficult life can be. You are all too-familiar with the coughing and wheezing, the tight chest and shortness of breath. Maybe you have trouble breathing when you lie down, or you can’t do all the activities you would like to do. Perhaps you have anxiety about when your next attack might occur. It doesn’t have to be this bad, however, because acupuncture can help your asthma.
Asthma in America
The CDC shows over 25 million Americans have asthma. There are many types of asthma. It often begins in childhood or early adulthood, and can run in families.
Asthma has many possible triggers, such as:
- Infections
- Allergens
- Irritants (airborne irritants, even odors)
- Exercise or exertion
- Changes in temperature or humidity
- Strong emotions
Conventional treatment includes pharmaceuticals like bronchodilators and steroids. Doctors prescribe antibiotics when secondary infections complicate the situation. Unfortunately, all of these treatments have unpleasant side effects.
Asthma cases are rising, and this is scary. Reasons cited for this increase are air pollution, antibiotic use, and food allergies. Additionally, Chinese medicine considers poor diet a major factor.
Asthma and Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been treating asthma patients for a long time. The first acupuncture manual from nearly 2,000 years ago discusses it. Asthma falls under the traditional name of “wheezing and breathlessness”. This category includes not only asthma, but other medical diagnoses such as acute or chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, and obstructive pulmonary disorders.
Acupuncture Benefits Asthma
Acupuncture helps asthma by reducing inflammation and opening airways. It modulates the allergic response in those with allergic asthma. Acupuncture not only helps relieve symptoms of asthma, but also addresses the underlying causes.
As a result, people experience:
- Reduced frequency and severity of attacks
- Less sick time from work and school
- Fewer hospital visits
- Less dependence on medicines
- Improved sleep
- Greater quality of life
Researchers found superior outcomes in children receiving acupuncture, with results lasting 6 months after the course of treatment. One study showed decreased mucus secretion and lowered inflammatory markers as effects of acupuncture treatment. A review from 2019 recommends including acupuncture in the treatment of asthma.
Acupuncture Timing
Acupuncture treatment can help asthma at any time, but it is most helpful when started about three months before your asthma season begins. That means if the fall/winter is your bad season, June or July is the best time to start treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may recommend some dietary modifications to support your treatment. This aims to reduce phlegm-producing foods which constrict your airways.
Asthma is a serious condition, and it requires a course of consistent treatment. However, your commitment to your health will pay off. Though individual results vary, you can expect to see changes in your health. For instance, you may notice your attacks happen less often, and they won’t be as severe. You will probably rely less on your inhaler, or maybe even eliminate it entirely. Your resiliency will improve, and you will feel more at home in your body.
Are you ready to breathe better?
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