Acupuncture for Asthma
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that consists of inserting and manipulating needles into “acupuncture points” on the body. It balances to the body which restores health, well being and eases pain.
The philosophy behind it is that energy flows through a person in opposing forces along pathways or meridians. When these positive and negative forces are not balanced, conditions occur and the energy flows along the meridians is blocked.
Extremely long thin needles are inserted at certain points on these meridians and is not painful. There is also the possibility of adjusting the energy by turning the needles in place for up to 20 minutes.
Research indicates that acupuncture can give some benefits for asthma symptoms in adults and children by using this ancient technique.
Here Are Some Reasons To Consider Acupuncture
Acupuncture Reduces Need for Drugs
Studies have shown that some asthma patients depend too much on drugs. Acupuncture can help by reducing the need for these drugs, or at least enable them to reduce the dosage of their asthma medication. Acupuncture can be a good alternative instead of high dosage medications which may have undesirable short and long term effects.
This means that you and your doctor should be partners in your treatment and that you should be sure he knows about any changes in your medical needs.
Acupuncture Has Been Shown Effective
The World Health Organization, in 1979 listed 40 conditions that could be effectively treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture for asthma and bronchitis was on that list.
A Chinese hospital made a study and reported an immediate effective rate of 98.9% after patients received acupuncture for asthma symptoms. The rate of remission also dropped significantly and there was improvement in 76.5% of patients.
The University Hospital of Vienna did a study that showed that 70% of patients with asthma reported significant improvement in their symptoms after 10 weeks of acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture Is Regulated In Many States
Today acupuncture is regulated by State law.
The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) determined in 1996 through several studies that acupuncture needles were no longer “investigational medical devices” and were approved for use by “qualified practitioners”.
The State laws make sure that only qualified people provides these techniques.
For instance in California an acupuncturist must graduate from an approved school, complete four years of academic education in the field, and pass a licensing examine.
But still some are better than others, just like doctors, so do some research and check out several leads before deciding who to go to.
In Conclusion
If done by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture can provide you with several benefits and help you combat asthma symptoms.
Nowadays many health insurance plans even cover acupuncture.
If you are tired of traditional methods and drugs, acupuncture may be the right option for you.