Asthma Alternative Treatments

Asthma Alternative Treatments

The goal of alternative treatments for asthma is to bolster the body’s power to protect itself from asthma triggers and to strengthen the lungs and immune and hormonal systems. As with many alternative treatments for any condition, feelings are often mixed as to the efficacy of some treatment methods. Research is often minimal in comparison to traditional medicine treatments.

Nevertheless, many people have had success in using alternative treatments in the management of many conditions, including asthma. Before trying any asthma alternative treatments, you should always go over with your doctor to be sure that the methods are safe and right for you or your child.

Natural Herbs and Supplements

A bit of over-the-counter herbs and dietary supplements have been shown to relieve asthma symptoms. Nevertheless, much of the research is ongoing or still inconclusive. Always confer with a doctor before trying any alternative treatments to find if they are safe for you or your child. Here are a few herbs and supplements that some patients find helpful:

Ginkgo extract has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation.Lobelia (Indian tobacco) Was used by Native Americans to treat respiratory disorders, including asthma.Other natural herbs that have been employed to treat asthma includemulleinboswellia (Indian frankincense), dried ivy, and butterbur (ascorbic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) Can cut down inflammation and alleviate asthma symptoms. and tea can both be useful in treating asthma symptoms. Caffeine is a natural (mild) bronchodilator. Tea contains minute amounts of theophylline, one of the major prescription drugs for asthma.

Mind Body Approaches

Surveys have shown that emotional stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. For some asthma sufferers, muscular relaxation therapy can improve lung function. Biofeedback uses monitors to reveal physiological changes to patients and assists them to control their bodies by understanding how they respond physically to different stimuli. Grounds on the efficacy of biofeedback is minimal.

Yoga and Breathing Techniques

A central aspect of yoga practice is the science of proper, controlled breathing, called pranayama. Pranayama includes deep breathing exercises. This facet of yoga may help asthma sufferers by teaching them to inflate the lungs, promote deep breathing, and reduce stress. Other breathing techniques, like the Buteyko breathing technique and the Papworth method, can be likewise effective in reducing asthma symptoms.

Acupuncture

This technique, used in traditional Chinese medicine, involves placing very thin needles at strategic spots on the body. It’s sometimes used to relieve the symptoms of asthma, but there is minimal scientific evidence to support its efficacy.