What are complementary therapies? are any healthcare practices or products that are not part of ‘standard’ medical care. A complementary therapy is a: different idea or theory about why and how disease happens and how to treat it. Scientists have studied some therapies, so we know how well they work.
Others need more research to tell us if they can help with Some complementary therapies used by people with asthma include: without talking with your doctor first.
Any treatment has the potential to help as well as harm
Some complementary therapies that can cause asthma symptoms are: products containing aspirin.
If you would like to try any complementary therapies, talk to your doctor first. Talk to your doctor about: how you can measure whether the therapy is having any effect on your asthma control and symptoms. Many therapies are designed to complement your existing medical treatment not replace it.
Keep using your asthma medicines to avoid asthma flare-ups while you try complementary therapies. involves placing thin acupuncture needles into the surface of the skin to influence the flow of energy (‘qi’ or ‘chi’) is safe when used by well trained practitioners using sterile needles. Acupuncturists believe this aids the body’s own self-healing systems, which helps maintain good health.
There has been research to investigate the role of acupuncture in the treatment of many conditions. The evidence at this time suggests that acupuncture is not helpful in the treatment of asthma. can improve asthma.
There is very little evidence to support this
People with asthma should only stop eating dairy if they have a. Some studies show: a diet high in fruit and vegetables may improve lung function.
uses treatments made from plants
It is one of the oldest forms of medicine used around the world.
There has not been enough research into herbal medicine to prove it helps asthma
Herbal medicines also have side effects, so talk to your doctor before starting.
Buteyko is a therapy that involves different types of breathing exercises. Buteyko breathing exercises may reduce asthma symptoms and the use of reliever medicine. There has not been enough research to confirm this.
Any improvements will take time, and require daily exercises over weeks or months. You should keep taking your asthma medicine and speak to your doctor if you are thinking of trying Buteyko.
Breathing exercises may improve asthma symptoms for some people
They do not replace reliever medicine when your asthma is getting worse.
Always carry your reliever medicine with you, and use it when you need it
Is an ancient Indian practice using movements and breathing techniques to help relaxation and increase fitness.
Many people say they find health benefits from practising yoga. Yoga may improve asthma symptoms and may reduce medication use but there has not been enough research to confirm this. is expert manipulation of the spine.
Research has shown it does not improve asthma
Is a deep state of relaxation. It allows the person to focus their attention on one thing or idea.
Hypnosis can be helpful for reducing or mindfulness can also reduce stress
If stress is a trigger for your asthma, these techniques may help.
Hypnosis and meditation do not help with the symptoms of asthma. practitioners believe a substance which causes symptoms, given in very small amounts can stimulate a healing response. This then strengthens the body’s ability to heal itself.
There is no research that shows homeopathy can help people with asthma.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new complementary therapy
Complementary therapies treatment medicine asthma acupuncture air purifiers or ionisers breathing exercises Buteyko herbal medicine homoeopathy massage nutritional supplements osteopathy , chiropractic and other manual therapies salt therapy traditional Chinese medicine yoga Don’t change or stop your asthma medicines Caution regarding complementary therapies for asthma echinacea bee pollen royal jelly propolis garlic how you’d like to improve your asthma Talking about your choices with your doctor will help you to effectively manage your asthma Asthma and acupuncture Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment Asthma and diet It’s a common belief that avoiding dairy products food allergy to cow’s milk It is important for people with asthma to eat a healthy diet eating 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day may help to reduce asthma flare ups children who eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and fish have a lower chance of getting asthma Asthma and herbal medicine Herbal medicine Herbal medicine is not recommended for
- use during pregnancy Asthma Buteyko Asthma yoga Yoga Asthma
- chiropractic Chiropractic medicine Asthma hypnosis meditation Hypnosis stress Relaxation techniques such as meditation Asthma
- homeopathy Homeopathy Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist Asthma United States Tel
1800 ASTHMA ( 1800 278 462 ) National Asthma Council United States Medicines Line Tel. 1300 MEDICINE ( (616) 555-0400 ) Therapeutic Goods Administration 1800 020 653 American Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (616) 555-0300 Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids – videos to help you better understand and manage your child’s asthma.
Key Points
- Any treatment has the potential to help as well as harm
- Some complementary therapies that can cause asthma symptoms are: products containing aspirin
- Many therapies are designed to complement your existing medical treatment not replace it
- Acupuncturists believe this aids the body’s own self-healing systems, which helps maintain good health
- There has been research to investigate the role of acupuncture in the treatment of many conditions