Alternative Medicine for Asthma

What Works?

A study published by the American College of Chest Physicians stated that a large proportion of patients using alternative medicine for asthma found it effective. According to the study, 43 percent of asthma patients found breathing techniques useful, 44 percent reported benefits from acupuncture, 42 percent from herbalism and 43 percent from homeopathy. However, researchers in the study do not believe that the improvement in an asthma condition is a direct result of alternative treatments.

Herbs

Ginkgo Biloba
Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
A study conducted in China showed that asthma patients experienced 15 percent forced expiratory volume (FEV) improvement after two months of treatment.

Tylophora Indica (T indica)
Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
This herb is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. However, studies on its effectiveness in treating asthma have yielded mixed results. More research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Solanum Xanthocarpum and Solanum Trilobatum
Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
A study published by the Institute of Internal Medicine, India confirms the traditional claim that these herbs help treat bronchial asthma.

Tsumura Saibu-to
Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
This is one of the most popular antihistamine herb preparations used in Japan and China. This alternative medicine comprises 10 different herbs. Patients have been reported to show significant improvement while taking this medication.

Other herbs that may be useful include ma huang (deaths have been reported due to misuse of this herb by people either seeking a "high" or looking to lose weight overnight), marijuana and dried ivy leaf extract.

Be cautious when using herbal supplements. Herbs may interact with other drugs. Get more information before starting any treatment.

Diet

Studies show that some asthma patients are allergic to certain foods. Begin by eliminating these foods one at a time and see if it makes a difference. Among the foods known to trigger asthma symptoms are wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, dairy products and alcohol. Drugs like aspirin could also be a cause.

Breastfeeding is a simple solution to ensure that your child does not contract asthma. A study published by the British Medical Journal concluded, "...the probability of respiratory illness occurring at any time during childhood is significantly reduced if the child is fed exclusively breast milk for 15 weeks and no solid foods are introduced during this time. Breast feeding and the late introduction of solids may have a beneficial effect on childhood health and subsequent adult disease."

Supplements

Ascorbic acid / Vitamin C
Omega-3-fatty acids

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that low levels of ascorbic acid are linked to asthma. Two studies showed that administration of 2 g of ascorbic acid improved the condition.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also benefit some asthma patients. In one study, 27 asthma patients showed reduced severity and frequency of asthma attacks when given omega-3 fatty acids. In another study, however, children taking the same supplements for 12 weeks showed no improvement. The benefits remain unclear.

Breathing Technique

What Is It?
Breathing technique is a type of therapy that helps patients master the correct way to breathe. Specific breathing instructions are accompanied by breathing exercises. Many breathing techniques help combat depression, increase blood flow, and so on. Yoga breathing is a popular breathing technique.

Researchers have studied Buteyko breathing techniques (BBT) in relation to asthma. Proponents of BBT suggest that hyperventilation resulting in alveolar and airway hypocapnia is a major contributor to asthma. There are claims that BBT could improve asthma control and reduce dependence on drugs.

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
An article published online by The Medical Journal of Australia concluded, "...those practicing BBT reduced hyperventilation and their use of beta2-agonists. A trend toward reduced inhaled steroid use and better quality of life was observed in these patients without objective changes in measures of airway caliber." Basically, it means that BBT helps.

Homeopathy Medicine

What Is It?
Homeopathy is based on the belief that substances that are poisonous in large doses can be beneficial in small ones. This is arguably the safest alternative medicine available today. Why? Because homeopathic remedies involve ingredients that are so highly diluted, that the medicine contains only a very small amount of the original substance

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
Clinical trials have studied the use of homeopathy for asthma. However, most of these trials were not personalized. It is common knowledge that homeopathy remedies need to be tailor-made for different people. What works for one person may not work for another. When given the same homeopathic remedies, patients reportedly showed improvement. We believe personalized treatment provides better results. The conventional medical world, however, remains skeptical about the benefits of homeopathy.

Massage Therapy Techniques

What Is It?
Massage therapy is an alternative medicine technique that touches the skin and affects the muscles directly beneath it. Massage oils are frequently used. Massage therapy helps improve blood flow through the body. Although it is often used to induce general relaxation, massage is also effective in treating conditions like high blood pressure, sinusitis, headache and insomnia.

Is It an Effective Alternative Medicine for Asthma?
It could help. A daily massage appears to improve airway caliber and asthma control.

In one study, young asthma patients received daily massages from their parents. The parents were taught to provide one of two therapies for 20 minutes before bedtime each night for 30 days. The result? The children showed an immediate decrease in behavioral anxiety and cortisol levels after the massage. Their attitude toward asthma as well as their peak airflow and other pulmonary functions improved over the course of the study. However, older children did not benefit as much. (Touch Research Institute, USA)

What May Not Work

Chinese Acupuncture - Despite the use of acupuncture to treat asthma in China, it has not been proved to be effective.

Chiropractic � There is no solid proof that it works for asthma.

In Conclusion

Despite this encouraging information, keep your doctor in the loop if you decide to try any alternative technique. Be very cautious while taking herbal supplements. The herbs may interfere with other drugs.