HOW IS ASTHMA TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE? 

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways of the lungs. The bronchial tubes are sensitive, and it can easily be inflamed. When irritants trigger asthma, the bronchial tubes that carry oxygen into the lungs produce extra mucus. The excess mucus inflames and swells the airway causing the bronchial tubes to constrict, making it difficult for the individual to breathe. Asthma can worsen when fighting an infection, cold or flu. It can also interfere with individual daily activities and can lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. 

ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

Not everyone with asthma will experience the same symptoms. Some may have symptoms a few days out of the year, while others may have symptoms every day. Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, coughing, and wheezing. 

Risk Factors are:

Have an immediate family with asthma. 

Have another condition such as allergies, atopic dermatitis, obesity, respiratory infections, and wheezing. 

A smoker or had been exposed to environments such as secondhand smoke, exhaust fumes, or other types of pollution.

African Americans and Puerto Ricans have a higher risk of developing asthma. 

TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

There is no cure for asthma, but their symptoms can be controlled by treatment. Treatment for asthma varies by the person due to their age, symptoms, and asthma severity. Short-term treatment such as quick-relief medicine and allergy medication can provide temporary relief of symptoms. Quick-relief inhalers are inhaled directly into the lungs to open swollen airways during an asthma attack. Long-term medication is taken daily to prevent an asthma attack from occurring. Long-term medication is taken over some time to allow the easing of the airway inflammation and the prevention of mucus overproduction in the lungs. Emergency care treatment is for a severe asthma attack. Their treatment can consist of short-term treatment, long-term medication, and nebulizer, or intravenous. Depending on their severity, they may receive oxygen therapy or breathing assistance. 

ACUPUNCTURE TO BENEFIT ASTHMA 

Acupuncture helps asthma by inducing the homeostatic response on the cellular level. They influence the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in the nervous system to improve the circulation of energy through the meridians. Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will change the experience of sensory, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. Acupuncture helps by releasing neurochemicals to relax the bronchial tubes from constricting and balance the production of mucus in the bronchial tubes. When an individual encounters irritants that may trigger an asthma attack, the airway will be clear of mucus to prevent an asthma attack from occurring. Acupuncture is safe and painless. There are no drugs or hazardous equipment used, and no surgical operation performed. 

CASE STUDIES:

According to HealthCMi CEUs, researchers have found that acupuncture is effective for relieving asthma symptoms. A randomized controlled test was conducted on 1,445 patients, and results showed that acupuncture provided lasting relief. The report states that "patient receiving acupuncture had marked reductions of allergic asthma during strenuous and moderate exercise, work and social activities, and during sleep. The overall quality of life scores for patients receiving acupuncture were significantly higher than patients in the control group receiving no acupuncture." Not only did acupuncture helped with their asthma, but researchers also noted that an individual had significant improvement in their quality of life. "After the three months of acupuncture treatments, patients had significant improvements in global quality of life scores and individual parameters such as symptoms, activities, emotions, physicality, and mental function." 

Also, there are several testimonials on Agape Natural health have proven acupuncture, and herbal medicine has successfully treated patients with asthma. Their patient had asthma that caused shortness of breath, asthma attacks, sinus infections, and hospitalization. After receiving acupuncture treatment from Agape Natural Health, here is what they had to say. 

"At 5 I was diagnosed with Asthma and have dealt with it ever since. My seasonal allergies triggered asthma attacks... I have been hospitalized and had many sinus infections and constant seasonal struggle with allergies. Breathing was difficult; affecting exercise and playing as a child - with allergies, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sinus infections and scratchy throat... I saw many Physicians from 1998 to present; tried holistic medicine and Chiropractic care. I took a lot of drugs with their unwanted side effects. I took Allegra-D, Flonase, Prednisone, Advair, Symbicort, Port-air an rescue inhalers. The Prednisone caused weight gain and the Pro-air caused shaking hands. I began taking these medications in 1998 and they only give me temporary relief of symptoms. I saw some benefits but not totally and was completely unsatisfied... I received acupuncture, herbal medicine with nutrition and dietary guidelines. The acupuncture sessions were pain free and went smoothly thanks to the great staff! I started feeling better round the end of the third week. I had fewer asthma and allergy episodes, higher energy and improved quality of life all around... This is my journey to freedom from asthma and allergies." - N.H., Mission Viejo, CA

"In 2010 I was diagnosed with COPD, Asthma and Bronchiectasis. In 2013 I got a cold and it never went away. Then in June of 2014, I was on oxygen and was devastated. I had shortness of breath, fatigue and was tired a lot. I was not able to do everything I used to and had to pick and choose where I could go because of the oxygen. My doctor and COPD doctor prescribed drugs such as Dorzolamide-Timolol, Latanoprost, Tiotropium, Albuterol, Azelastine and Aspirin. I had no treatment results from modern medicine... I felt very comfortable and began treatments with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition. I am thrilled with the results! So happy! I have a better life. I have more energy to do everything I need to do. I don't use my inhaler as much and I'm staying healthy." - N.A., Santa Ana, California

WORK CITED: 
"Acupuncture Relieves Asthma Attacks," HealthCMi CEUs, https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1841-acupuncture-relieves-asthma-attacks, April 07, 2018

"Asthma," Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653, September 13, 2018

"Asthma," National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

"Asthma," Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, https://www.rchsd.org/health-articles/whats-the-difference-between-quick-relief-and-long-term-control-medicines/

"COPD: ASTHMA: BRONCHIECTASIS: ACUPUNCTURE LUNG CONDITION," AGAPE NATURAL HEALTH, http://www.agapeacupuncture.com/blog/copd-asthma-bronchiectasis?rq=asthma, February 16, 2016

"FREEDOM FROM ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES WITH NATURAL MEDICINE: SINUS INFECTIONS AND SEASONAL ALLERGIES: DIFFICULTY BREATHING," AGAPE NATURAL HEALTH, http://www.agapeacupuncture.com/blog/freedom-from-asthma-and-allergies-with-natural-medicine-sinus-infections-and-seasonal-allergies-difficulty-breathing?rq=ASTHMA, February 25, 2017

"How to Tell You Have Asthma," Asthma Canada, https://asthma.ca/get-help/asthma-3/diagnosis-3/how-to-tell-you-have-asthma/