A short review of acupuncture and bronchial asthma - Western and traditional Chinese medicine concepts

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.