Asthma
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes the airways to become narrow and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed with proper treatment and prevention measures.
Causes and Risk Factors
Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes may make a person more susceptible to developing asthma, while environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, and respiratory infections can trigger asthma symptoms.
Other risk factors for asthma include:
A family history of asthma or allergies
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Occupational exposure to chemicals or irritants
Obesity
Respiratory infections during childhood
Stress and emotional factors
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe. Some people with asthma may only experience symptoms during certain activities, while others may have ongoing symptoms throughout the day. Common symptoms of asthma include:
Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
Coughing, especially at night or early morning
Chest tightness or pressure
Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Difficulty breathing
Prevention
Preventing asthma attacks is the key to managing asthma. Some prevention measures that can help reduce the risk of asthma attacks include:
Avoiding triggers such as allergens, irritants, and pollutants
Using air conditioning to reduce indoor humidity and filter air
Keeping pets out of the bedroom and off furniture
Washing bedding regularly in hot water
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
Getting vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia
Managing stress through relaxation techniques and exercise
Treatment
The main goal of asthma treatment is to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Treatment may include medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and leukotriene modifiers, as well as lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, allergy shots or immunotherapy may be recommended to reduce the body's sensitivity to allergens.
Oriental Medicine
Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative therapies that have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including asthma. These therapies focus on restoring balance and harmony to the body's energy or qi, which is believed to flow through specific channels or meridians.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi and promote healing. Acupressure is a similar technique that involves applying pressure to these same points with the fingers or hands.
Although there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, or acupressure for asthma, some studies have suggested that these therapies may have some benefits for asthma symptoms. For example, a 2015 systematic review found that acupuncture may improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms in some people with asthma.
However, it is important to note that these therapies should not be used as a substitute for conventional asthma treatment. If you are considering Oriental medicine, acupuncture, or acupressure for your asthma symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper treatment and prevention measures. These measures may include medications, lifestyle changes, and avoidance of triggers.
Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative therapies that may provide some relief for asthma symptoms. While there is limited scientific evidence to support their use, some studies have suggested that these therapies may be beneficial for some people with asthma. However, it is important to remember that these therapies should not be used as a substitute for conventional asthma treatment.
If you or someone you know is living with asthma, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns. By working together, you can better manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
References :
"Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Report: Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention" (2021). This is the most up-to-date report from the GINA, a comprehensive guide to asthma management and prevention that includes evidence-based recommendations for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.
"Asthma: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management" (2020) by L.D. Burrell and P.W. Ind. This book provides a comprehensive overview of asthma pathophysiology, diagnosis and management, including both conventional and complementary therapies.
"Asthma and Allergy: Alternative Therapies" (2018) by K.S. Khalsa and M. Tierra. This book covers various alternative therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, nutrition and yoga, as well as conventional treatments for asthma and allergy.
"Acupuncture for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis" (2018) by Y. Xie, X. Shi, and M. Zhang. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
"Massage Therapy for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2020) by A.A. Alqahtani and A. Aldossari. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that massage therapy was effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with asthma.
"Acupressure for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2021) by H. Yao, X. Tang, and M. Zhang. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupressure was effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving lung function in patients with asthma.
"Herbal Medicine for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2020) by Y. Zhang, J. Li, and X. Sun. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that certain herbal medicines, including Boswellia serrata, Astragalus membranaceus, and Panax ginseng, were effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving lung function in patients with asthma.
"Yoga for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2016) by H. Cramer, R. Lauche, and G. Dobos. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that yoga was effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving lung function in patients with asthma.
"Breathing exercises for asthma" (2019) by A.A. Freitas and M.R. Holloway. This review article provides an overview of various breathing exercises, including Buteyko breathing and yoga breathing, and their potential benefits for patients with asthma.
"Moxibustion for asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2021) by J. Song, J. Chen, and S. Zhang. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort on or near the skin, was effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving lung function in patients with asthma.