Can Acupuncture Really Help Your Asthma Symptoms?
Understanding Asthma and Considering Acupuncture
Living with asthma can be challenging, but many people are exploring complementary therapies to help manage their symptoms. Acupuncture for asthma is one such option. Research suggests that it may offer benefits when used alongside conventional treatments.
Here's a quick look at what you need to know:
What is it? Acupuncture involves placing thin needles into specific body points to stimulate the body's natural processes.
Can it help asthma symptoms? Studies suggest it may reduce symptoms like coughing and wheezing, improve lung function, and decrease inflammation.
How many sessions? Research often points to one session per week for about six weeks, with most studies using no more than 15 treatments.
Is it safe? When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally low-risk, though minor soreness or bruising can occur.
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease affecting nearly 26 million people in the U.S. It causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. While conventional medicine like inhalers is crucial, some people seek complementary therapies to improve their quality of life.
What is Asthma and How is it Treated?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where inflammation causes airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. It's a serious and widespread condition affecting millions in the U.S. and worldwide.
Common asthma symptoms include:
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
Coughing (especially at night or early morning)
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, significantly impacting daily activities.
Conventional medical treatments are important for managing the condition and preventing severe attacks. These typically involve:
Inhaled corticosteroids: Daily anti-inflammatory medications to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.
Bronchodilators (inhalers): These relax airway muscles to quickly open them during an attack. They can be short-acting (rescue) or long-acting.
Other medications: Depending on severity, drugs like leukotriene modifiers, biologics, or oral corticosteroids might be prescribed.
While effective, long-term use of some medications can have side effects. This is why many people, with their doctor's guidance, explore complementary therapies like acupuncture to support their overall asthma management plan.
How Acupuncture for Asthma Works: Evidence, Benefits, and Risks
When we talk about acupuncture for asthma, we're exploring a gentle approach to help support your body. It works with your body’s natural abilities instead of just masking symptoms. The science is growing, and here we'll look at the research, potential benefits, and what to expect from sessions. Our goal is to provide caring, patient-focused support that works with your current medical treatments.
What Does Science Say About Acupuncture for Asthma?
Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves placing thin needles into specific body points. In TCM, this is thought to balance the body's energy flow, or "Qi." Modern science is now exploring the mechanisms behind its effects.
Research suggests acupuncture may help asthma by:
Providing anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce the airway inflammation that worsens asthma symptoms by reducing certain inflammatory cells and chemicals.
Modulating your immune system. Asthma often involves an imbalanced immune response. Acupuncture seems to help support this balance.
Reducing airway remodeling. In long-term asthma, airways can stiffen. Animal studies hint that acupuncture could help reduce these structural changes.
Regulating your HPA axis. This system manages stress and immune responses. By influencing it, acupuncture could help relax airways and reduce mucus.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which combine results from many studies, show a promising picture:
A 2019 analysis found that using acupuncture with standard treatments helped reduce asthma symptoms and support the immune response in adults and teens.
A 2021 meta-analysis of 11 studies showed that acupuncture had a positive effect on symptoms, flare-ups, and lung and immune function, especially for cough-variant asthma.
Another 2021 meta-analysis also reported that acupuncture could help reduce coughing.
A separate meta-analysis noted that acupuncture could improve FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), a key measure of lung function, and improve quality of life for adults with asthma.
It's also important to note that research is ongoing. Some studies, like one from 2015, found no significant difference between real and "sham" (placebo) acupuncture. This shows that while many findings are encouraging, more high-quality research is needed. The current evidence, however, supports acupuncture as a hopeful complementary therapy.
Key Acupuncture Points and Potential Benefits
In TCM, health depends on the balanced flow of energy (Qi) through pathways called meridians. For breathing issues, the Lung and Heart meridians are particularly important.
An acupuncturist will choose specific points for you, but some common points for asthma include:
LU5 (Chi Ze): On the inner elbow, a key point on the Lung meridian.
BL13 (Feishu): On the back, known as the "Lung Shu" point for lung health.
ST36 (Zusanli): On the lower leg, used to boost overall energy and immunity.
EX-B1 (Dingchuan): A special point near the spine used for asthma and coughing.
LU1 (Zhongfu): On the chest, an important point for lung conditions.
CV17 (Danzhong): On the breastbone, known to help ease breathing difficulties.
Adding acupuncture to your asthma plan may offer several benefits:
Potential for symptom relief, with less coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
Support for lung function, as shown by FEV1 measurements.
Potential for reduced frequency of asthma flare-ups.
Support for overall asthma management.
An improved quality of life, helping you enjoy daily activities.
The potential for reduced medication usage (always discuss with your doctor).
A low risk of side effects when performed by a skilled practitioner.
At ChiroHer, we're dedicated to personalized care that supports your health goals. We offer custom acupuncture services that can fit into your existing asthma treatment plan. To learn more about how we can help you, please visit our acupuncture services page.
What to Expect from Acupuncture for Asthma Sessions
If you're new to acupuncture for asthma, we want you to feel informed. The experience is typically gentle and relaxing.
First, here is a quick comparison of acupuncture and acupressure:
Feature Acupuncture Acupressure Method Insertion of fine, sterile needles Manual pressure applied with fingers/hands Practitioner Licensed acupuncturist Can be self-applied or by trained therapist Precision High precision for specific points Less precise, broader area of pressure Stimulation Deeper, more targeted stimulation Surface-level, gentle pressure Research More extensive, though still evolving Limited, less conclusive for asthma Risks Minor (soreness, bruising), rare serious Very low, generally considered very safe Typical Use Professional treatment, often complementary Self-management, relaxation
The number of sessions varies based on your specific needs. Many studies, including research from 2020, show good results with one acupuncture session each week for about six weeks (up to 15 treatments total). A consistent series of treatments is often helpful, and your acupuncturist will create a personalized plan.
Sessions last 20 to 30 minutes. You'll lie comfortably while your acupuncturist gently inserts very thin, sterile needles. The needles are much finer than those used for injections.
During treatment, most people feel little to no pain. You might notice:
A mild ache
A tingling sensation
A feeling of warmth
A dull pressure or heaviness around the point
Many patients find the experience very relaxing. Potential side effects are generally mild and temporary:
Common side effects might include slight pain, minor bleeding, or a small bruise at the needle site.
Less common side effects are rare but can include temporary changes in digestion or sleep.
Serious side effects are extremely rare when treatments are performed by a qualified acupuncturist. The risk associated with acupuncture is considered low, making it a safe complementary option. Always inform your acupuncturist about any concerns.
Finding the Right Care and Next Steps
Choosing to explore acupuncture for asthma is a positive step. Finding the right practitioner can feel overwhelming, but this guide can help you make an informed decision.
Your safety is the top priority, so credentials matter. Look for an acupuncturist with rigorous training and professional certification. In the U.S., the standard is certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You can find qualified professionals on their website at www.nccaom.org. This ensures you're choosing a practitioner with the right skills for safe, professional treatment.
Always include your doctor in the conversation. Your primary care physician or specialist knows your medical history and can help you integrate acupuncture into your treatment plan safely.
At ChiroHer, we use a collaborative approach, working with your healthcare team for coordinated care. We take the time to understand your specific needs and goals. Serving Oklahoma City and surrounding communities like Yukon, Edmond, and Moore, we provide patient-focused care in a comfortable setting. Our focus on women's health and overall wellness means we support your quality of life, not just your symptoms. Learn more about our approach on our holistic wellness services page.
It's important to be honest about the research. While promising, the evidence for acupuncture for asthma has gaps. We need larger, longer-term studies to fully understand its effects on different types of asthma. However, the existing evidence and acupuncture's strong safety profile provide a good reason to explore it. The key is to make an informed choice based on your personal health goals.
Comparing Approaches and Future Research
Many patients use other supportive approaches alongside acupuncture. These can include:
Breathing exercises: Techniques like the Buteyko method or diaphragmatic breathing can help improve lung efficiency and help manage breathing difficulties.
Yoga: This combines movement, breathing, and stress reduction, which is helpful since stress can trigger asthma.
Meditation and mindfulness: These practices help manage stress and help improve awareness of your body's signals, which can help you recognize early signs of a flare-up.
Acupuncture complements these well. While breathing exercises and meditation work on the mechanical and mental aspects, acupuncture appears to work at a cellular level by helping to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system.
Future research on acupuncture for asthma is promising. Scientists are planning larger, longer-term studies to track benefits, identify which types of asthma respond best, and understand its mechanisms. Cost-effectiveness studies will also help make it more accessible. This move toward personalized medicine aligns with our practice at ChiroHer, where we match our approach to individual patient needs.
This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for already established medical advice from your healthcare provider.