Acupuncture and Natural Therapies for Asthma

Natural Approaches to Asthma Treatment

Every year in the United States, asthma affects approximately 20 million people.

Traditional treatment options are often limited to steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. While these medications can be effective at relieving symptoms, the long-term side effects can be significant. Fortunately, there are a number of natural treatment options for chronic asthma that offer effective relief without unwanted side effects.

Nutritional Supplements for Asthma

Below is a list of nutritional supplements to consider when treating asthma naturally:

Grape Seed Extract
A powerful antioxidant that is excellent at reducing inflammation and helping to break the pattern of allergy-induced asthma.

Quercetin
A highly effective flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Quercetin is well known for its ability to stabilize mast cells and help control allergic responses.

Cod Liver Oil
Supplements rich in essential fatty acids—such as cod liver oil—can significantly reduce systemic inflammation, promote healthy circulation, and support immune function.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs play a vital role in the treatment of asthma. The formulas we have had the most success with in our practice help to:

• Clear heat from the lungs

• Strengthen lung and spleen qi

• Treat asthma exacerbated by the onset of a cold

• Support immunity and improve overall lung function

Herbal formulas are selected based on the individual’s pattern of imbalance and are often used alongside acupuncture for optimal results.

Acupuncture for Asthma

Acupuncture can be very effective in the treatment of asthma and has been practiced for over 2,000 years throughout Asia. It has a long and successful history in treating internal medical conditions.

Acupuncture works by rebalancing the major organs that contribute to asthma and reducing systemic inflammation in the body. In Chinese medicine, asthma may be caused by factors such as:

• Diet

• Environmental allergies

• Stress

• Constitutional weakness

• Candida or other internal imbalances

Each of these factors relates to specific organ systems that can cause the lungs to constrict.

When treating asthma with acupuncture, we combine the patient’s reported symptoms with pulse and tongue diagnosis to gain a clear understanding of the body’s internal dynamics. Treatments are then tailored to restore balance and correct energetic and functional disharmonies. In addition to acupuncture, cupping and gua sha can also be helpful adjunct therapies.

Diet and Asthma

One of the most important strategies for managing asthma is avoiding foods that create or worsen inflammation in the body. The most problematic foods include refined sugars and refined carbohydrates. Foods that rapidly convert to sugar can significantly increase inflammation. Many asthma patients report noticeable improvement in symptoms simply by eliminating these foods.

In Chinese medicine, the lungs are closely related to the large intestine. Intestinal toxicity can contribute to many internal conditions, including asthma and allergies. For this reason, dietary changes and the addition of high-quality probiotics are often essential.

If there is a history of constipation, a gentle cleanse may be beneficial to detoxify the colon, which can indirectly support lung health. A diet high in fiber—especially organic fruits and vegetables—is essential. Helpful foods and herbs include:

• Prunes

• Pears

• Flax seed

• Rhubarb root

If you are interested in a detox protocol, we recommend asking for professional guidance.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Whenever asthma is in remission, we recommend practicing deep breathing exercises as often as possible. Deep breathing helps build lung capacity and strengthens overall lung function.

One simple exercise to try is the one-minute breath:

• Inhale as slowly and deeply as possible

• Hold the breath for as long as comfortable

• Exhale slowly and completely

With practice, work toward completing the entire inhale–hold–exhale cycle over one full minute.