Acupuncture Treatment for Asthma Attacks
Acupuncture has become increasingly popular for the treatment and healing of asthma in recent years as an alternative to Western medicine. It is a safe and non-invasive approach to treating the uncomfortable symptoms associated with asthma. Additionally, alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines offer helpful supplements that can be taken orally which helps reduce wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness while providing relief from other factors such as stress and anxiety that may provoke symptoms.
Asthma involves the narrowing of the airways, swelling, and the production of mucus. Shortness of breath, coughing, whistling sounds, and whistling sound can all result from this. The respiratory system is affected by asthma, a chronic (long-term) condition of the airways. Air is carried in and out of your lungs through the airways. It is common for asthmatics to have inflamed and narrowed airways at times. As a result, it is more difficult for air to travel out of your airways when you exhale.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention external link, about 1 in 13 people in the United States suffer from asthma. Often, it begins during childhood and affects people of all ages. Asthma symptoms can be triggered or worsened by pollen, exercise, viral infections, or cold air. The only way to manage asthma is to treat it and create an asthma action plan. In addition to monitoring and avoiding triggers, medications may be prescribed.
There are several signs and symptoms of asthma, including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Symptoms of asthma in children include wheezing when exhaling
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath preventing you from sleeping
- An attack of coughing or wheezing exacerbated by a respiratory virus like a cold or influenza
Both Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may be effective asthma treatments. This natural healing approach is becoming increasingly popular among asthma sufferers who are hesitant to take asthma medications long-term. Acupuncturists specialize in asthma-related treatments and develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s asthma symptoms or triggers. During a typical session, asthma acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles into specific points around the body to help unblock any obstructed energy pathway associated with asthma. In addition to traditional acupuncture, some asthma acupuncturists also offer cupping therapy, herbal medicine, breathing exercises, moxibustion, and other modalities to manage asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the respiratory system and increasing circulation of qi–the vital life force found throughout our bodies. Acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment option for people struggling with asthma and should always be considered as part of an integrated approach to health and wellness.
