Natural Remedies for Asthma: An Overview
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Breathing exercises
- Herbal medications and supplements.
Evidence for the effectiveness of these remedies is limited because of the small number of research trials being done. Thus, it is difficult to compare these natural remedies for
asthma and the current pharmacologic standard of care.
Acupuncture as a Natural Remedy for Asthma
Acupuncture is a form of natural healing in which thin needles are inserted into specific areas of the body. The mechanism by which acupuncture works remains unknown. Some individuals find temporary relief from their
asthma symptoms with acupuncture. However, studies have not shown that acupuncture relieves asthma symptoms, decreases medication use, or improves airway responsiveness.
Natural Remedies for Asthma: Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a technique that has been used by parents on their children who have asthma. One study showed that younger children who received massage therapy at bedtime had improvement in their lung function. The older children in the study also improved, with a lower
anxiety level and a better attitude toward their asthma, than those who did not receive massage therapy.
Using Breathing Exercises as a Natural Remedy for Asthma
Breathing exercises may involve deep breathing with prolonged exhalation and a decreased rate of breathing. It has been suggested that this will improve asthma symptoms, although most studies have not shown that breathing exercises are particularly effective in reducing symptoms. However, in one study, the group who did breathing exercises reported fewer symptoms and a decrease in their use of inhaled medications compared to the group who did not do the breathing exercises.
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