Treating Asthma With Acupuncture
Asthma is an increasingly common condition, particularly in the developed world with 5.2 million adults and 11 million children currently receiving treatment for it in the UK.
Acupuncture has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of asthma and there is an increasing body of evidence to support its efficacy.
In contrast to the conventional drug based approach, which focuses on management of the symptoms, acupuncture seeks to understand the underlying pattern of disharmony that has given rise to the asthma, in other words what has gone wrong with the body's natural control of respiration.
Acupuncture has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of asthma and there is an increasing body of evidence to support its efficacy.
In contrast to the conventional drug based approach, which focuses on management of the symptoms, acupuncture seeks to understand the underlying pattern of disharmony that has given rise to the asthma, in other words what has gone wrong with the body's natural control of respiration.
How does Acupuncture treat Asthma?
What has caused one person to suffer from asthma is not the same as another and diagnosing the individual pattern of disharmony responsible is at the heart of traditional acupunctures approach to treatment.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. Common points used are on the upper back, chest and arms, although those on the legs and torso may also be selected.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. Common points used are on the upper back, chest and arms, although those on the legs and torso may also be selected.
What happens when I come for treatment?
Treatment will usually involve the insertion of 6-12 fine, sterile, surgical stainless steal needles and their retention for 20-30 minutes. After insertion, the practitioner will sometimes manipulate the needles at intervals to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. In most individuals withdrawal of the needles leaves no mark as the natural elasticity of the skin closes the point again without bleeding or bruising.
How long will the treatment last?
A standard course comprises 6 treatments and should be sufficient to assess the likely benefit but lasting results are likely to require a longer period of treatment. Initially treatments will usually be weekly, although as progress is made the interval between treatments can often be lengthened.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and reliable therapy and is increasingly used by medical doctors and physiotherapist, as well as traditional acupuncturists. Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used and competence is ensured by membership of a professional body with rigorous standards of training and professional conduct.
Is there anything I can do?
Being treated with Chinese medicine is not just about being 'done to', it is also about actively managing ones own health and treatment Is a partnership between patient and practitioner.
Several lifestyle factors can have a direct influence on asthma with diet and nutrition of particular importance. Other factors that can influence prognosis include environmental influences, such as exposure to pollution and stress.
Self-help techniques that have been shown to help include active breathing techniques such as the Buteyko method and meditation.
Several lifestyle factors can have a direct influence on asthma with diet and nutrition of particular importance. Other factors that can influence prognosis include environmental influences, such as exposure to pollution and stress.
Self-help techniques that have been shown to help include active breathing techniques such as the Buteyko method and meditation.
