Alternative Medicine for Asthma

What works?

A study published by the American College of Chest Physicians stated that a large number of patients who use alternative medicine for asthma perceived it as effective. For instance, 43% of asthma patients thought that breathing techniques were useful. For acupuncture, this figure amounted to 44%, herbalism, 42%, and homeopathy, 43%. However, researchers in the study do not think the improvement in asthma condition is a direct result of the alternative treatments ( oh! as always )

Herbs

Gingko Biloba
Is it an effective alternative medicine for asthma?
A study done in China showed that asthma patients experienced 15 % FEV (forced expiratory volume) improvement after 2 months of treatment.

Tsumura Saibu-to
Is it an effective alternative medicine for asthma?
This herb is one of the most popular antihistamine herb preparation that is used both in Japan and China.
Consisting of about 10 different herbs, patients have been reported to show significant improvement while taking this medication

Other herbs that may be useful – ma huang (death have been reported due to this herb - by people who wants to get "high" and people who wants to get thin overnight!), marihuana and dried ivy leaf extract.

Take a great caution when taking herbal supplements. These herbs may interact with other drugs. Get more information please.

Diet

Studies have shown that some asthma patients are allergic to certain foods. So, first try to eliminate these foods one at a time and see if it makes any difference. Among the foods that have been shown to trigger asthma symptoms are wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, dairy products and alcohol.

Certain drugs like aspirin could also trigger the problem

For those pregnant women who are afraid that their unborn child may one day get asthma, there's a free solution. Breastfeeding.

A study published by the British Medical Journal concluded that "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

1. Ascorbic acid / Vitamin C
2. Omega-3-fatty acids

Is it an effective alternative medicine for asthma?
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that low level of ascorbic acid has been linked to asthma. Two studies have shown that administration of 2 g of ascorbic acid improved patients’ condition.

Omega-3-fatty acids may provide benefits for some people too. In one study, 27 asthma patients showed reduced severity and frequency of asthma attack when given omega-3 fatty acids. In another study, however, kids who were given the same supplements for 12 weeks showed no improvement. In short, the benefit is unclear.

Breathing Technique
What is it?
Breathing technique is a type of therapy used to help patient learn the correct way to breathe, with specific breathing instruction and is normally accompanied with various exercises. There are many breathing techniques, from Yoga breathing to various other that are used to combat depression, increase the blood flow etc.

One of the techniques that have been studied for asthma is Buteyko breathing. Proponents of Buteyko breathing techniques (BBT) suggest that hyperventilation resulting in alveolar and airway hypocapnia is a major contributor to the asthma. There are claims that it’s breathing exercises could lead to improvements in asthma control and reduce the use of drugs.

Is it an effective for alternative medicine for asthma?
An article published on the Internet by The Medical Journal of Australia concluded that “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 calibre.” In English, it means that BBT helps.

Homeopathy Medicine
What is it?
Homeopathy is based on the belief that substance, which is poisonous in large doses, can be beneficial in small doses. It is perhaps the safest alternative medicine that you can find today. Why? Because homeopathic remedies come from substance that are so diluted up to the stage that your medicine will have only very little amount of the original substance

Is it an effective alternative medicine for asthma?
There have been clinical trials on the use of homeopathy for asthma. Most of the trials however were not personalized. It’s common knowledge that homeopathy remedy for one person may not be work for another because these 2 individuals are unique. When given the same homeopathic remedy, patients have been reported to show improvement. We believe personalized treatment could give better result. The conventional medical world, however, think otherwise (as usual).

Massage Therapy Techniques
What is it?
Massage therapy is an alternative medicine technique that touches the skin and affects the muscles directly under it, sometimes with the use of massage oils. It helps in making sure that blood flows in the body more effectively. Although it is normally used to induce general relaxation, massage has also be found effective in treating illnesses like high blood pressure, sinusitis, headache and insomnia

Is it an effective alternative medicine for asthma?
May help. It appears that daily massage improves airway caliber and control of asthma.

In one study, young asthma patients were given daily massage by their parents. These parents were taught to provide one therapy or the other for 20 minutes before bedtime each night for 30 days. The result? These children showed an immediate decrease in behavioral anxiety and cortisol levels after massage. Also, their attitude toward asthma and their peak airflow and other pulmonary functions improved over the course of the study.
Older children however, 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 shown to be effective.
Chiropractic – no solid proofs that it works for asthma.

Our Final Words
Despite these encouraging findings keep your doctor informed if you decided to try any one of them. Take a great caution when taking herbal supplements. These herbs may interact with other drugs

If you are thinking of using any of these alternative medicines and would like to get a cheaper treatment, MedExpress Benefits discount card may help.

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