TREATMENT OR CURE - Q&A to Complementary Therapies   Home | Asthma Assistant | Glossary | Disclaimer   Is it Asthma | Society & Self | Take Control | Treatment or Cure | Quality Living

What is a complementary therapy? These are non-medical treatments which are used alongside conventional medications. Although little scientific research has gone in to proving they work, many people do find relief of their asthma symptoms by using them. They are becoming more and more popular and widely accepted even within the medical profession. These therapies work in a holistic manner. This means they treat the whole person not just the disease in isolation. What complementary therapies are available? There are a wide range to choose. Some of them are summarised below.   Acupuncture This therapy has been used for many thousands of years in the East to treat many conditions. It forms a part of the whole system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese believe that if there is balance in the body we are healthy. This balance depends of the flow of energy which they call 'Qi', through channels or meridians in the body. If this energy flow is blocked or weakened in any way, illness occurs. The acupuncturist carefully assesses each person individually to determine where these blockages are. Very fine needles are then inserted at specific points on the body called acupoints, to stimulate the flow of energy and correct any imbalances.   Acupressure This technique is essentially acupuncture without the needles! It involves using precise degrees of pressure on the acupoints where the needles would usually be placed in acupuncture. Each case is again assessed individually. The principle of the technique is the same: to stimulate the flow of energy and correct any imbalances which are causing illness.   Alexander Technique Alexander practitioners will teach you this technique, which involves learning how to change your posture to use your body more efficiently. This usually takes about 30 lessons. You are encouraged to build these changes into your everyday life until they become second nature. This helps to improve tension, stress and general well-being.   Herbal Medicine Many modern drugs come from herbs. For example, morphine from poppies and aspirin from willow bark. There are a number of herbs which can help asthma. These include thyme, coltsfoot and mullein. The remedies come in a variety of forms including essential oils and tonics. A qualified herbalist will mix a suitable combination for each individual patient.   Homeopathy Homeopathy involves administering a minute dose of the substance which would cause symptoms similar to those experienced in the condition if given in a larger dose. The principle of homeopathy can therefore be thought of as 'treating like with like'. This is an extremely safe technique and is usually given in tablet form.   Hypnotherapy This is a deep relaxation technique which involves suggestions to change a person's thinking and beliefs about their illness. You have to really want to change and believe you can improve, for this technique to have any benefit.   Naturopathy This involves maximising the healing properties of nature. Naturopathy involves water therapy, nutritional advice, relaxation, stress management and osteopathy. Some naturopaths also use herbs and homeopathy.   Nutritional Therapy This therapy uses nutrients such as minerals, and vitamins to overcome illness. The therapist will assess you carefully looking for any possible food intolerances, toxicity levels, allergies or nutritional deficiencies. You may be put on an elimination diet or have allergen tests to see if any foods cause you to have an allergic reaction. The therapist will then modify your diet according to what is found.   Yoga Yoga exercises involve stretching, exercises on posture, breathing practices and meditation. They can help asthma and a wide range of other conditions and improve general well-being and fitness.   T'ai Chi Tai Chi, another aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is becoming very popular in the western world. It seeks to unite the individual with the universal energy through postures, movements and breathing exercises. The way in which the movements are combined with breathing is essential to the art, and helps to guide the circulation of the blood so that tissues throughout the body can be repaired and cleansed more efficiently.   Osteopathy This technique involves restoring balance in the body's structure. Best known for helping structurally related problems, it can also be useful in asthma by helping to ease muscular tension and spasm.   Reflexology Reflexologists believe that the body can be divided into 10 zones, with energy lines passing through these zones ending in your feet and hands. A blockage in any part of the body will affect the flow of energy through that zone causing illness. This technique involves stimulating these zones, called reflex zones, from their corresponding points on the feet or hands by massage. This in turn promotes the flow of energy thereby restoring the body's natural balance. The theory is similar to that of acupuncture and acupressure. Which one is the best to use? This is really a matter of personal choice and also which one works the best for you! There are now a wide range of therapies to chose from with something to suit everyone. Get some information on what is available in your area. Always check that the practitioner you use is well qualified, and discuss what you intend to try with you doctor beforehand. Can I stop my normal asthma medications? No! Never abandon your conventional medications. Complementary therapies are just that: to complement your current treatment and not as an alternative. Any complementary therapist who claims their technique can replace your normal medications immediately and completely should be treated with great caution! If you do feel an improvement then you should always discuss reducing your medications with your doctor. This should be done sensibly under medical care. A good way of checking if your asthma has improved is by home monitoring. This will also ensure you remain well if your medications are reduced in any way. You can find out more about this in Getting to Know Your Asthma. Are they safe? Most complementary therapies are extremely safe and free from any side-effects; however, there have been some noted. For example, where acupuncture needles have not been properly cleaned there have been some cases of infections. The side-effects of many herbal medicines are uncertain as many of their precise ingredients are unknown.

Topic "Treatment or Cure" Updated 14th August 2003

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