Asthma affects approximately 28 million people in the U.S. or about 1 in 12 individuals. If you’re one of them, you may be looking for ways to better manage this chronic condition. While there is no cure for asthma, acupuncture can serve as a complementary treatment to help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Although it offers significant benefits, acupuncture should not replace conventional asthma treatments. It is most effective when used alongside traditional asthma therapies
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making breathing difficult. When someone has asthma, their airways become inflamed and narrowed, which can be triggered by environmental factors, allergens, or irritants. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma affects the airways in your lungs, causing inflammation and sensitivity that make breathing difficult. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, factors like immune system responses and environmental triggers contribute. This inflammation and airway narrowing lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Inflammation in the Airways
One leading cause of asthma is inflammation. When someone with the condition breathes in a trigger—like pollen, dust, or pet dander—their immune system reacts aggressively. It produces antibodies (IgE) that attach to immune cells called mast cells.
When activated, these cells release chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes, which tighten the airway muscles and cause swelling, making breathing harder. This process doesn’t stop there. More immune cells rush in, worsening symptoms, sometimes even hours after the initial reaction.
Narrowed Airways
Asthma also causes the airways to physically narrow, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath. This happens for several reasons:
- Muscle Tightening: The muscles around the airways squeeze too much, restricting airflow.
- Swelling and Mucus Build-Up: The airway walls become thick and swollen, and extra mucus can further clog the airways.
- Long-Term Changes: Over time, repeated inflammation may cause permanent changes in the airways, making them even more sensitive to triggers.
Some experts also believe abnormal breathing patterns, such as airway muscles not relaxing properly during deep breaths, may contribute.
Risk Factors for Asthma
Several factors can increase the risk of developing asthma:
- Genetics: If asthma runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop it.
- Allergies: People with allergies, especially those related to dust, mold, pollen, or pet dander, are at higher risk.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes can trigger or worsen asthma.
- Respiratory Infections: Severe respiratory infections during childhood can increase the risk of asthma later in life.
- Obesity: Being overweight can also increase the chances of having asthma.
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma can be triggered by several factors, which may include:
- Stress
- Allergies
- Respiratory Infections
- Physical activity
- Exposure to cold air
Alternative Asthma Treatment: Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been a routine part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles into targeted areas of the body, known as acupoints, which are believed to correspond with different organs and bodily systems.
When it comes to asthma, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms by influencing several physiological processes, particularly those related to inflammation and immune function.
How Acupuncture Affects Asthma
Research has shown that acupuncture can help reduce asthma symptoms by affecting certain pathways in the body.
One key factor is adenosine, a compound that regulates the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like breathing. Acupuncture has been found to increase adenosine levels, helping restore balance and improve breathing.
Studies also suggest acupuncture can lower lung inflammation, relax airway muscles, and improve oxygen levels. It’s believed to reduce oxidative stress, contributing to symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. Additionally, acupuncture therapy can influence several biochemical factors, such as decreasing compounds like nitric oxide (NO), which contribute to inflammation in asthma.
Although acupuncture offers significant benefits, it should not replace conventional asthma treatments. It is a supportive therapy designed to work in conjunction with medications and other recommended management strategies to help control symptoms and improve lung function
Key Acupoints Used for Asthma Treatment
Acupuncture for asthma typically involves targeting specific acupoints that correspond to the respiratory system and help alleviate symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. These acupoints are believed to influence lung function and reduce inflammation in the airways.
For example, GV14 (Governing Vessel 14), located along the spine, is often used to help improve breathing and reduce lung inflammation. Similarly, BL13 (Bladder 13) and BL12 (Bladder 12), located on the back, are targeted for their ability to strengthen the respiratory system and alleviate asthma symptoms.
In addition to these primary points, other acupoints like ST36 (Stomach 36) and CV17 (Conception Vessel 17) can enhance overall lung function and immune support. These acupoints work together to balance the body’s energy, reduce stress, and improve respiratory health.
What Are The Benefits of Acupuncture for Asthma?
Acupuncture offers a range of benefits for asthma management by targeting various physiological processes in the body.
Here are some key ways it can support individuals with asthma:
- Stimulating the Body’s Natural Healing: Acupuncture is based on the principle that stimulating specific points on the body, called acupoints, activates the body’s own healing mechanisms. This process helps improve blood circulation and promote various physiological responses that restore balance and overall health.
- Supporting Immune System Function: Acupuncture has been shown to influence immune cells like natural killer cells and T cells, helping to regulate immune function. This can enhance the body’s response to allergens and infections, crucial for individuals managing asthma.
- Reducing Inflammation: One of acupuncture’s key benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation, particularly in the airways. By calming inflammatory responses and modulating the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acupuncture helps reduce airway swelling and irritation. Decreasing inflammation can improve lung function and decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
- Lowering Stress: Acupuncture is recognized for its stress-reducing effects. It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. Since stress can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, acupuncture’s ability to promote relaxation can be particularly beneficial for asthma management.
- Promoting Relaxation: Acupuncture helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” system. This promotes relaxation, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and contributes to a sense of well-being that can help people with asthma manage their symptoms.
Overall, acupuncture is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment that may complement traditional asthma therapies by improving immune function and reducing inflammation, helping to control symptoms.
While acupuncture can provide numerous benefits for asthma management, it should be used alongside, not instead, conventional treatments like inhalers or medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Studies on Acupuncture for Asthma Management
A 2019 analysis examined the impact of adding acupuncture to conventional asthma treatments for adults and adolescents. The findings suggested that acupuncture when used alongside standard care, helped alleviate symptoms and lowered markers of immune system activity in participants.
A 2021 meta-analysis reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials with 929 participants, evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for cough-variant asthma. The study found that acupuncture improved symptom relief, reduced relapse rates after medication withdrawal, and enhanced lung function and immune response.
Because asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and influence immune responses, potentially alleviating some symptoms.
Take Control of Your Asthma Today
If asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath are impacting your daily life, don’t wait any longer for relief.
Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy through our online portal. Our skilled acupuncture specialists will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to complement your asthma management strategies, helping reduce inflammation, improve lung function, and alleviate symptoms.
Visit us at one of our convenient locations: Financial District, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, or Nomad. Call us today at (917) 694-1565 or book your appointment online to take the next step in managing your asthma.
Sources
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma facts. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/
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