CAM

Acupuncture
This is the ancient Chinese treatment of inserting very fine needles into specific parts of the body to influence the flow of energy. Some studies show that:
· Acupuncture can give short-term relief from asthma symptoms
· No long-term benefits have been documented yet
· People whose asthma is triggered by allergens benefit more than those who experience exercise induced asthma

Chiropractic
This is expert manipulation of the spine. Some research has shown that chiropractic has a beneficial effect on airway circulation and lung capacity.

Herbal therapy
- Rhizomes : treat asthma by removing phlegm, pungent, warming, anti-spasmodic sedative herb with a terrible smell, which increases perspiration and acts as an expectorant and diuretic
- Great mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) : bitter, cooling herb which soothes and lubricates tissues, has expectorant and analgesic effects and helps healing.
- Asafoetida, bayberry, cardamom, cayenne, colt’s foot, comfrey, echinacea, eucalyptus, fennel, garlic, gingko, lobelia, parsley, roman chamomile, saffron and thyme.

Homeopathy
This includes preparing a special medicine containing tiny amounts of the allergic substance. The patient then takes the medicine and ‘trains’ their immune system to recognise the allergen as safe. Research has shown that homeopathy may be helpful for some people with asthma. One drawback is trying to pinpoint the exact allergen since most people with asthma have more than one.

Hypnosis
This is a deep state of relaxation that allows the patient to focus their complete attention on one thing or idea. Hypnosis is helpful in some cases, particularly for reducing stress, but not all people can be hypnotised. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation could be worthwhile if stress is a trigger.

Supplements
Vitamin C, the mineral magnesium and fish oils have found to be helpful in some studies, but not in others.

Don't take echinacea or royal jelly
People with asthma should never take echinacea or royal jelly. They can have serious side effects for people with asthma and other allergies. Severe reactions may include:
· Asthma attacks
· Breathing difficulties
· Severe allergic reaction
· Death.

Things to remember
· Complementary therapies should never replace your asthma medication and usual treatment.
· The limited research on complementary therapies means that no one is sure of their exact effect or worth.
· Always discuss complementary therapies first with your doctor.
· Never abandon your medication and mainstream management techniques.