Acupuncture for Asthma
At its core, asthma is an immune disorder. The main symptoms of asthma, wheezing
and shortness of breath, are manifestations of the body's immune response to pathogens
found in the environment. Our experience has shown us that in the majority of asthma
cases, the patient has an imbalanced immune system. Thus, our treatments focus on
balancing and strengthening the immune system. Many patients report significant,
lasting benefits in just a few sessions of treatment.
Acupuncture has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the primary symptoms
of asthma. It can improve pulmonary function and lessen the severity of asthma attacks.
Depending on the specific situation, we may recommend traditional acupuncture or
a combination of acupuncture and exercise in accordance with our
Active Acupuncture
philosophy.
We urge you to read through the patient testimonials and related research and if
you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
Testimonials
After suffering from asthma for 10 years, I was a bit skeptical that Eastern medicinal
techniques, namely acupuncture and forms of acupressure excercises, could help what
strong steroids and bronchio-diolators could only pacify. After massaging my back
and having no prior medical information, Mr. Gu instantly knew I had asthma since
I was seven. He made me do these exercises that had me sweating after ten seconds.
I was reassured that that only meant it was working. Most types of physical activity
work out muscles, but according to Mr. Gu, the exercises he showed me worked out
the organs, in my case, lungs. The acupuncture part proved to be equally successful.
I felt very calm and relaxed during the 15 minutes I laid on the table and my breathing
was getting better. After five sessions, all similar to what I just described, my
asthma went away thanks to the acupunture that stimulated my lungs and the exercesises
I will do every day and every night for the next year.
The week prior to visiting Mr. Gu and Acupunture for Natural Healing, I was taking
Albuterol(the most common fast acting inhaler) at least two times a day. After this
practically miraculous experience, I have been completely free of asthma medication
for the first time in a long while. That being said, not only do these people know
what they are doing and give the care people like me so desperately want, but they
changed my life forever, and for that, I am eternally greatful.
-Richard Q, Active Acupuncture Patient, NYC, New York |
 Ed Bloom: “For at least two years, I’ve participated in Mr. Gu’s weekly class. His
exercise program is unique, designed to stimulate the internal organs, increase
the blood flow and build the immune system. They do not concentrate on building
muscle strength, although to some extent that may be a by-product. “My results have
been: substantially less asthma, a dramatic reduction in the number of colds, increased
endurance, and a general feeling of well being.”
- “Integrative Medicine Man Eases Battles” Greenwich Citizen, January 21, 2005 (page1, page2) |
 While doctors can’t identify why these exercises are effective, patient feedback
is very positive, says Bernadette Johnson, coordinator of the Integrative Medicine
Program at Greenwich Hospital “I remember looking at pulmonary patients who had
difficulty breathing. After they did the exercises, the percentage of oxygen that
could be measured in their blood was improved.”
- “Exercising Good Health—Improved Circulation Makes Medicine Work Better” Greenwich
Time, August 2, 2005 (page1,
page2)
|
 George Miller, 76, came to Mr. Gu’s class three years ago with serious kidney disease,
anemia and asthma. “my nephrologist told me to get ready for dialysis because of
the numbers in my kidney dysfunction. But I’m not going there! My number are now
stable. In 10 or 15 minutes of these exercises, my whole body warms up. I do an abbreviated
version of the exercises every day at home. I can even go out and get the paper
in my pajamas and not feel cold. After class I feel absolutely astoundingly better.
- “Mr. Gu Makes Lives Better One Exercise at a Time” Westport News, April 12, 2002
(page1,
page2,
page3) |
 Renee Stern-Cohen reports that her asthma condition has improved since she has been
taking Gu’s class. The doctor told her that her lung capacity has improved and she
threw away her inhaler.
- "Seniors with a Sprint in Their Step" Town & Village, August 17, 2000 (page1,
page2)
|
Longtime smoker Nancy Biagi of Greenwich, who has emphysema, has been a class member
for three years. “ It looks easy, but it's not,” says Biagi, 68, she exercises twice
daily several times a week to supplement Gu's class. “that's what it takes to get
your lungs opened up,” she says. When done properly, the exercises allow her to
breathe more deeply.
- “Exercising Good Health—Improved Circulation Makes Medicine Work Better” Greenwich
Time, August 2, 2005 (page1,
page2)
|
Scientific Literature
If you do not have access to full length articles, we have copies at our NYC office.
Key points from recent studies:
- In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, children between the ages
of 6 and 12 experienced significant benefits from acupuncture. (more)
- In a randomized, placebo-controlled, perspective study, 104 patients were separated
into an acupuncture and control group. The acupuncture group significantly lessened
the reliance on asthma drugs, decreased the severity of asthma attacks. The acupuncture
group even had significant improvements 6 months after the treatments concluded.
(more)