Can Acupuncture Help with Asthma?
To say Acupuncture can prevent Asthma is somewhat naive - the first step in managing your condition, is to consult with your doctor and seek preventer medication.
With seasonal changes, Asthma can flare up without you doing anything wrong. Often thunderstorms, spring allergies, or triggering factors such as dust mites and dust, cold air and overexertion during exercise play a big part in making symptoms worse. But the long term effect of chronic conditions is something concerning to TCM practitioners.
The perspective is any chronic condition over time fundamentally creates a weakness in the body or what we call deficiency. Lung deficiency, Qi deficiency, failure to thrive and lacking vitality.
If you live with asthma, you know it can be challenging to manage flare-ups, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. While medications remain the main treatment, many people also explore natural therapies to feel more comfortable and support their lung health. One of these is acupuncture to manage symptoms long term.
How Does Acupuncture Fit Into Asthma Management?
Acupuncture is not a replacement for your medication, but it may:
✔️ Reduce inflammation
✔️ Help relax the body and reduce stress-related breathing difficulties
✔️ Support the immune system and general wellbeing
Can Acupuncture Help Asthma Symptoms?
Research into acupuncture for asthma is ongoing, but some studies have shown promising results:
✅ A review of 9 clinical trials found that acupuncture may help improve lung function and asthma-related quality of life when used alongside standard medical treatment.
✅ Another study showed that people who received acupuncture alongside their usual medications had better breathing and fewer symptoms than those using medication alone.
These studies suggest that acupuncture may be a helpful addition to your medical management plan. However, more large-scale research is needed to understand exactly how it works and who benefits most.
Other Lifestyle Practices That May Help Asthma
Many people with asthma find relief by combining acupuncture with activities such as:
Yoga: Breathing exercises and gentle postures can strengthen your lungs, improve breathing patterns, and reduce stress, which often worsens asthma symptoms.
Swimming: Low-impact aerobic exercise in a humid environment can support lung health. Always ensure your asthma is well controlled before swimming and carry your inhaler.
Daily breathing practices: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or the Buteyko method can help improve breathing efficiency and reduce shortness of breath. I highly recommend Dr Rosalba Courtney to my clients on the Northern Beaches for her decades long experience with asthma, breathing assessments and functional breathing recovery. Excellent for Asthmatics, snorers and chronic allergies.
Thinking of Trying Acupuncture for Asthma?
If you’re curious about how acupuncture could support your breathing and wellbeing, it’s important to consult both your doctor and a fully-qualified acupuncturist - not a Dry Needling practitioner! Always continue your prescribed medications and management plan.
At our Sydney Northern Beaches clinic, we provide personalised acupuncture treatments to help you breathe easier and feel your best. Book an appointment today .
