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Acupuncture Treats Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition characterized by airflow obstruction, making it difficult to  breathe. Often associated with smoking, COPD affects an estimated 3.2 million people worldwide. Symptoms of COPD may include shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. While there is no treatment for COPD, with proper management, most patients can live relatively normal lives. Traditional treatments, such as medications and pulmonary rehabilitation are essential. In recent years, acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapy. 

When used to treat COPD, acupuncture may:


  • Improve Lung Function: By targeting acupoints connected to the lungs and respiratory system, acupuncture may enhance lung function and airflow.

  • Reduce Inflammation: Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in COPD. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, leading to improved breathing and overall well-being.

  • Alleviate Symptoms: Acupuncture may provide relief from common COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

  • Enhance Quality of Life: By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of COPD, acupuncture can improve patients' overall quality of life.


By incorporating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan, patients may find relief from COPD symptoms, develop improved lung function, and find an overall better quality of life. 

 

References:


Deering BM, Fullen B, Egan C, et al. Acupuncture as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2011;31(6):392-399. doi:10.1097/HCR.0b013e31822f0f61


Tong J, Guo YM, He Y, Li GY, Chen F, Yao H. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014;34(9):846-850.


Wang FX, Jin LW. Research on the Mechanism and Application of Acupuncture Therapy for Asthma: A Review. J Asthma Allergy. 2024;17:495-516. Published 2024 May 29. doi:10.2147/JAA.S462262


Xu G, Luo Q, Sun M, et al. Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):326. Published 2024 Sep 3. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04630-y


Yu Y, Xiao W, Du LY, et al. Acupuncture for dyspnea and breathing physiology in chronic respiratory diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Heliyon. 2024;10(10):e31176. Published 2024 May 16. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31176


Zeng Q, Liu L, Chen Y, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture in Managing COPD: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2024;19:1721-1739. Published 2024 Jul 26. doi:10.2147/COPD.S464546

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