Asthma | Klinisk neuro akupunktur

Acupuncture as a Treatment Method for Asthma: A Review of Research

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. While traditional medical treatments like inhalers and steroids are common, acupuncture has emerged as a promising alternative therapy. This article explores the research supporting acupuncture as a treatment for asthma.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways, leading to hypersensitive reactions to certain stimuli, resulting in swelling and narrowing of the airways. This can make breathing difficult and cause symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Asthma can affect people of all ages and can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, air pollution, physical exertion, and stress.

Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

In the context of asthma, acupuncture is believed to help reduce inflammation, relax the airways, improve lung function, and alleviate asthma symptoms.

Research on Acupuncture and Asthma:

Several scientific studies have investigated the effects of acupuncture on asthma. A study published in "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" examined 73 adults with mild to moderate asthma and found that acupuncture significantly improved lung function and reduced the frequency of asthma attacks compared to placebo treatment.

A meta-analysis published in "The Journal of Asthma" summarized the results of several randomized controlled trials and found that acupuncture treatment was more effective than control treatment in reducing both symptoms and the use of asthma medication in patients with asthma.

Perspectives:

These research findings suggest that acupuncture may be an effective treatment method for asthma, but further research and clinical studies are necessary to understand the precise mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.

References:

Li A, Lao L, Wang Y, Xin J, Ren K, Berman BM, Zhang RX. "Electroacupuncture Activates Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone-Containing Neurons in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalammus to Alleviate Edema in a Rat Model of Inflammation." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008 Jul;14(6): 673-679. doi: 10.1089/acm.2007.0774. PMID: 18684079; PMCID: PMC3155079.

Lin YP, Chou LW, Lai CL, Lin JG. "Acupuncture-Induced Changes in Airway Functions in Asthmatic Subjects." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016 May;22(5): 375-383. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0263. PMID: 27088463; PMCID: PMC4868292.

Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, Jena S, Linde K, Streng A, Wagenpfeil S, Irnich D, Walther HU, Melchart D, Willich SN. "Acupuncture in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial." Archives of Internal Medicine. 2006 Feb 27;166(4): 450-457. doi: 10.1001/archinte.166.4.450. PMID: 16505266