How Effective Is Acupuncture for Asthma?

Around 20 million people in the US are seeking out drug free methods to manage asthma symptoms. One of the most popular forms of these treatments is acupuncture. Asthma is one of those 40 diseases for which acupuncture is beneficial.

acupuncture for asthmaAsthma care can be a frustrating one for all of us and is very difficult to use inhaled medications properly. Taking asthma medications daily can cause some unpleasant side effects.

So, considering acupuncture for asthma shows a beneficial effect on the primary symptoms of asthma. The therapy can improve the pulmonary function and lessen the severity of asthma attack.

Acupuncture is very effective with asthma in young children. The therapist uses thin needles or other acupuncture treatment called cupping. Traditional acupuncturists treat the whole person rather than the disease.

There are two types of asthma, one is extrinsic and the other is intrinsic. Both of these can respond well to acupuncture. Extrinsic asthma occurs due to allergens like pollen, dust and mold.

Intrinsic asthma occurs due to factors like exercise, cold air, chemicals, emotional upset and infections.

Acupuncture for asthma works on your nervous system by alleviating stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves while increasing the level of excitation of sympathetic nerves.

The therapy reduces inflammatory chemicals in your bloodstreams thus reducing the allergic response. It strengthens a person’s constitution and overall health thereby reducing the allergic response.

Cupping also helps in relieving from the asthma symptoms. During this practice, a partial vacuum is produced in cups located on the skin either through suction or heat. This represents the underlying tissues. When you place the cup on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Acupuncture reduces the dependency on asthma medications. You can reduce the daily dose of asthma medications to a great extent. It is not suggested to quit any medication completely. Ask your doctor if you want to make any changes to your medications. Asthma medications have adverse short and long-term effects, so it is better to find a safe alternative to high dose medications to benefit your health.

If you want to consider acupuncture and searching for a qualified practitioner to perform acupuncture for asthma symptoms, do your homework and know whether he is licensed from a specific organization. It would be very effective and safe if you receive the treatment from a licensed practitioner.