Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal
Volume 24, Issue 1 , Pages 28-38, 2006

A Short Review of Acupuncture and Bronchial Asthma — Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Concepts

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China

Received 18 July 2006; accepted 12 November 2006.

Article Outline

Abstract 

Bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction, is traditionally managed by pharmacological intervention. Despite asthma receiving extensive global attention, the mortality rate remains at unacceptable levels. Over reliance on medication and associated adverse drug effects have led to exploration of alternative management modalities. The effects of acupuncture and moxibustion, a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, in the management of asthma have been extensively reported over the last few decades. This review provides a general overview of the Western and Chinese concepts of management of asthmatic symptoms and, in particular, the use of acupuncture in the management of asthma.

Key words:  acupuncture , asthma , traditional Chinese medicine

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PII: S1013-7025(07)70006-4

doi:10.1016/S1013-7025(07)70006-4

Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal
Volume 24, Issue 1 , Pages 28-38, 2006

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