Asthma and complementary therapies

There are many complementary therapies that are available to people with asthma. Some people find these therapies helpful, but keep in mind to be careful to discuss your asthma and chosen therapies with both your doctor and complementary therapist.

This will make sure that you can monitor your asthma with your doctor to best assess whether the complimentary therapy has helped, harmed or had no effect on your asthma control and symptoms.

Many therapies are designed to complement your existing medical treatment – not replace it. Be careful to maintain the use of your asthma medications to avoid asthma attacks and worsening asthma symptoms while you explore alternative remedies.

Asthma and acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment of inserting very fine needles into specific parts of the body to influence the flow of energy (qi) around and through the body. Traditional acupuncturists believe that gentle stimulation at precise acupuncture points with applied pressure on the basis of correct diagnosis, will aid the body’s own defensive and self-healing systems, promoting and maintaining good health.

Based on current evidence, there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations about the value of acupuncture as a treatment for asthma.

Asthma and herbal therapies

There are a variety of different herbal therapies available for people with asthma, including Ayurvedic medicines, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathy. Always discuss these treatments with your doctor.

There is some evidence showing that some herbs could be beneficial. However, more research is required, because their effects and safety are not yet fully understood. Herbs can be powerful and should be treated with as much respect as pharmaceutical drugs.

Supplements such as vitamin C, the mineral magnesium and fish oils have found to be helpful in some studies, but not in others. Always discuss the use of supplements and herbs with your doctor before making a decision. That way, you can avoid side effects or possibly making your asthma worse.

Echinacea or royal jelly can have serious side effects for people with asthma and other allergies. Royal jelly has caused breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, severe allergic reactions and even death. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a warning to people with asthma about the possible effects of royal jelly.

Asthma and Buteyko breathing method

The Buteyko breathing method is a system of breathing exercises based on the theory that people with asthma lose too much carbon dioxide through over-breathing.

Some studies have shown that the Buteyko method can be helpful enough to allow some people to reduce their reliever medication use, but more research is needed. It is advisable to remain on your medication and speak to your doctor when trying Buteyko.

Asthma and yoga

This is an ancient Indian practice using postures and movements, performed with breathing techniques, to help relaxation and can increase fitness. One form of yoga, Pranayama yoga, has been studied and found to be effective in reducing asthma attacks and making the person less sensitive to certain allergens or triggers. This may also relate to the relaxation aspect of yoga.

Asthma and chiropractic

Chiropractic medicine is expert manipulation of the spine. Some research has shown that chiropractic has a beneficial effect on airway circulation and lung capacity. As with other complementary therapies, more research is needed in this area.

Asthma and hypnosis and meditation

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation that allows the patient to focus their complete attention on one thing or idea. Hypnosis is helpful in some cases, particularly for reducing stress, but not all people can be hypnotised.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation could be worthwhile if stress is a trigger for your asthma or makes your asthma worse.

Asthma and homeopathy

This includes preparing a special medicine containing tiny amounts of the allergic substance. The patient then takes the medicine and ‘trains’ their immune system to recognise the allergen as safe. There is no strong evidence showing that usual forms of homeopathy for asthma are effective.

Until stronger evidence exists for the use of homeopathy in the treatment of asthma, we are unable to make recommendations about homeopathic treatment. Caution is important when consuming any substance that you may be allergic to.

• Although some people find these therapies helpful, there is not as much research available about complementary therapies compared to western medicine.
• Managing your asthma includes avoiding exposure to your known allergens and other triggers, as well as using medications prescribed by your doctor.
• It is handy to keep a diary of your asthma symptoms throughout the year to help identify your triggers and monitor the effects of any complimentary therapies you may be trying.