Complementary therapy and asthma

Research by Asthma UK suggest that a growing number of asthma sufferers are interested in trying a range of complementary therapies in addition to their prescription medication. Therapies that are most the popular include  yoga, acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis and relaxation/breathing breathing techniques (especially the Buteyko Breathing Technique or BBT which is specifically designed to relieve symptoms of asthma by promoting measured breathing and incorporating advice on exercise, diet and rest).

Relaxation through yoga has been shown to reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks in many sufferers; and the associated breathing and meditative techniques of yoga can also reduce stress and therefore reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Hypnosis has been shown to be beneficial in some cases where focus and concentration can be increased which in turn helps to reduce stress levels and the risk of asthma attacks. Acupuncture is suggested to be helpful for those with a mild to moderate form of asthma and can be beneficial in the short term by rebalancing the body’s natural energies.

Homeopathy aims at triggering the body’s own self healing mechanisms so in cases of asthma pollens may form part of the remedy but they are in such small quantities that they are unlikely to trigger an attack. However the advice from Asthma UK is that sufferers should always consult their clinical team before adding in homeopathic remedies.