Other Techniques
Chiropractic-Spinal Manipulation. More than 100 patients with asthma were studied while being treated with "real" or "fake" chiropractic techniques. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of their asthma symptoms. However, one of these studies did show that the patients who received real chiropractic treatment had decreased sensitivity to an irritant medication (methacholine) used to detect severity of asthma. Another poorly-designed study on chiropractic techniques in asthma showed mild increase in a measurement of lung function in the group receiving treatment, although no symptoms were measured.
Breathing Techniques/Yoga. Breathing techniques and yoga can be beneficial in terms of mental well-being and improvement in quality of life scores for asthmatics. However, studies on techniques such as Buteyko breathing, Sahaja, Hatha and Pranayama yoga fail to show any consistent improvement in asthma symptoms or definite improvement in lung function testing. No studies are available for allergic rhinitis.
Biofeedback/Hypnosis. All studies reviewed on the use of biofeedback and hypnosis in the treatment of asthma were of poor study design and failed to show any benefit.
Miscellaneous Holistic Therapies. There are no well-designed studies on the use of aromatherapy, chromotherapy, Bach's flowers, anthroposophy, Hopi candles, hydro-colon, urine therapy, clinical ecology, or iridology for the treatment of asthma or allergic rhinitis, and therefore these techniques should not be considered useful.
While it would seem reasonable to make CAM part of an overall treatment regimen, it does not make sense for these unproven techniques to replace proven conventional therapies for potentially serious diseases (such as asthma). CAM appears to help with the mental and spiritual well-being of patients, which is not to be under-estimated. However, there is no definitive scientific basis for using CAM as the only treatment for asthma or allergic rhinitis. Always consult with a physician before utilizing CAM, especially if using this in place of prescribed therapies.
Sources:
- 1. Passalacqua G, Bousquet PJ, Carlsen KH, et al. ARIA Update. Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Rhinitis and Asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006; 117:1054-62.
- 2. Engler RJM. Alternative and Complementary Medicine: A Source of Improved Therapies for Asthma? A Challenge for Redefining the Specialty? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000; 106:627-9.
- 3. Ziment I, Tashkin DP. Alternative Medicine for Allergy and Asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000; 106:603-14.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
