General Article

Relevance of the use of Alternative Medicine for Bronchial

Asthma: A review
Sasi Kala M, Vijaya Kumar S, Gauthaman K
Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Pharmacy Institute, Sikkim -737 136, India

Address for correspondence: Dr. M. Sasikala; E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Alternative systems of medicine include Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathic, and naturopathic medicine.
Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of qi (“chee”) or vital energy. Within this system, illness is deÞned
as a disturbance in the balance of vital energy. Ayurveda is a system of healing which evolved from teachings
in ancient India. Our review mainly focuses on the importance of the severity and control of asthma in the
evaluation of patients and their response to treatment. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane
Library, and the National / International abstracts to identify relevant articles. We limited evidence to alternative
medicine for asthma, but we also reviewed observational evidence for safety. Outcomes of interest were overall
mortality, exacerbations, quality of life, functional capacity, and primary health care. Lifestyle modiÞcations that
effectively lower asthma are: i) increased physical activity, ii) reduction of the impact of environmental factors
on asthma such as smoking, air pollution, hazards in schools, day care, the work place, and home, as well as
other environmental triggers. Our review suggests that alternative systems of medicine reduce adverse effects
and the need for high-impact, high-cost intervention. It is the best way for self-healing and health promotion
(salutogenesis rather than pathogenesis) that makes alternative medicine approaches to chronic disease
especially attractive.

Key words: Acupuncture, air pollution, alternative therapy, family therapy

DOI: 10.4103/0975-1483.55754

INTRODUCTION therapeutic massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, art

therapy, and music therapy. [2] There are many serious
The term alternative medicine has been used interchangeably challenges facing healthcare authorities worldwide. In the
with complementary medicine, integrative medicine, and developed countries, these challenges are related less and
unconventional medicine. These names encompass many less to infectious diseases, but increasingly to the so-called
healing practices outside the realm of allopathic medicine.[1] “lifestyle diseases.” In the developing countries, however,
Many people are using complementary and alternative healthcare challenges are largely allied to poverty, poor
medicine (CAM) therapies to reduce stress, prevent sanitation, and chronic malnutrition; factors which provide
or minimize side effects and symptoms, and support a fertile ground for diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis,
health and healing. CAM includes an array of healing malaria, and HIV/AIDS. However, even in these countries,
philosophies, approaches, and therapies that embrace a the “diseases of lifestyle” are ominously becoming more
holistic approach to care – treating the mind, body, and prevalent, as increasing numbers of the populace adopt
spirit. Examples of CAM therapies are support groups, the lifestyle practices which often predominate in Western

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 Alternative medicine for bronchial asthma

societies. The purpose of this review is to investigate this induces signals that correspond with the electrical activity
presumption and document trends in alternative medicine of the body’s cells, nerves, muscle Þbers, and blood vessels.
prevalence, costs, and treatment.[3] By stimulating the electrical activity of individual cells,
more energy can be provided to cause a number of positive
Family therapy physiological effects:
• Metabolism - increase in energy and improvement of
Psychological factors may have an effect on asthma in digestion
children. Sometimes, children with any kind of family • Circulation - increase in blood circulation, improvement
problems have severe asthma. In such cases, family therapy in peripheral blood supply, and reduction of hematoma
has been tried to resolve any family problems. Our review and edema
found some evidence from two trials that family therapy • Regeneration - enhanced wound and bone healing;
(in addition to standard asthma treatments) might help increased energy levels and feeling of well-being
to reduce a child’s asthma symptoms, but more research • Duration - A ten-minute application is sufÞcient for
is needed to be certain. Nevertheless, drug therapy alone most individuals to restore energy levels.
continues to be the main treatment. Treatment programs • Frequency - The rate at which the individual’s body uses
that include behavioral or psychological interventions have up energy will also determine how often Bio-Resonance
been developed to improve disturbed family relations of should be applied. For example, a sick person with very
children with severe asthma. These approaches have been low energy or an athlete who spends a large amount of
extended to examine the efÞcacy of family therapy to treat energy would need to recharge two to three times per
childhood asthma in a wider group of patients. This review day to ensure an optimal amount of energy for his/
systematically examines these studies.[4] her daily requirements.
Dietary salt
The effects of Pulsating Magnetic Fields on humans have
There is a wide geographical variation in asthma prevalence been researched internationally and there is no doubt
and mortality, especially in technologically advanced today that optimized Pulsating Magnetic Field Systems
countries in the West. One of the major differences can be applied for therapeutic purposes. Saldlonova et al.
between these countries and the less developed ones investigated the effects of pulsatile electromagnetic Þelds
is dietary habit, particularly salt consumption. Studies, in children suffering from bronchial asthma. They observed
notably by Burney and co-workers (Burney 1987) have that the clinical status of the pediatric asthma patients and
shown a strong correlation between table salt purchases their mood became better and hence, they recommended
and mortality from asthma in men and children, but not it as complementary therapy.[6]
women. Similarly, studies that have shown a link between
salt consumption and an increase in both subjective Acupuncture
and objective measures of asthma symptoms have also
demonstrated the same gender difference. However, the Acupuncture has been successfully used in China to treat
reliability and validity of some of the methods used to most illnesses over the past 3500 years, and research has
measure long-term dietary salt intake is questionable and shown that acupuncture can be very effective for respiratory
variable. This is partly due to the lack of a standardized diseases including asthma. The National Institute of Health
measure of dietary salt intake that makes it difÞcult to (USA) has stated that the data in support of acupuncture
compare studies. Sample size, socio-economic status, are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical
dissimilar populations, and lack of representativeness of therapies. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that
the samples have all been cited as reasons for the inability the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than
to compare study results. Therefore, it would be prudent that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures
to restrict salt intake with the hope that while reducing the used for the same conditions.[7] Acupuncture can reduce
other risks associated with a high dietary intake of salt, the frequency and severity of attacks: a study conducted at
there may be some reduction in the severity of asthma.[5] the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care in the
University Hospital of Vienna showed that over 70% of
Bio-resonance system patients with long-standing asthma reported a signiÞcant
improvement of their ailments after ten weeks of
Energy can be transferred to an organism much more acupuncture treatment.[8] In another study, Scientists at the
effectively and comfortably through magnetic induction. Second Municipal People's Hospital, Kaifeng City, China
Applying a Pulsating Magnetic Bio-Resonance System studied 192 patients suffering from bronchial asthma, all

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 Sasi Kala, et al. J Young Pharm. 2009;1(2):184-189
of whom were treated by acupuncture. There was a marked do what we do, and to change those behavior and thinking
improvement in 76.5% of the patients.[9] patterns that are unhelpful. It also assists us to develop
a greater sense of self-control, recognize our own best
Yoga qualities and use them well.[20]

One of the fundamental philosophical tenets of Yoga, Non-violence

which means "union" (of body and spirit) and is an ancient
Indian meditative exercise technique, is that the breath is the Fujiara et al. reported that positive correlation between
most important bodily function that needs to be controlled. exposure to community violence and a higher burden
The Sanskrit word for breath is "prana" which also means of childhood asthma. This review has demonstrated that
life force or spirit. Thus, control of the breath is crucial there is sufÞcient evidence to argue that asthma is the
for optimal health and well being, and a good place to start embodiment of exposure to the environmental pollutant
when life or health is out of balance. Breathing exercises of violence in children’s lives, both directly and indirectly.
are extremely helpful for asthmatics because they: There are many pathways through which this experience
• strengthen respiratory muscles acts upon the body. Psychosocial stress due to violence
• eliminate inefficient use of accessory muscles of directly inßuences the development and/or exacerbation
respiration (such as abdominal or neck muscles) of asthma through biological responses, such as immune
• replace forceful breathing, which compresses airways, suppression and inßammation by dysregulation of the HPA
with relaxed breathing axis. Psychosocial stress might change the susceptibility of
• can reduce hyperventilation by increasing expiration air pollution which has an impact on asthma. Exposure to
• can reduce the sensation of breathlessness by increasing violence would also change the behavior of caretakers and/
the functioning of the diaphragm or children, such as keeping indoors, skipping medications,
• can enhance clearing of airways and smoking. These changes might induce greater exposure
• can give you the conÞdence to withstand breathlessness to indoor pollutants and allergens, sedentary lifestyles, and
lack of social support, which are considered as risks for
To help control an acute asthma attack, the patient should asthma, Based on this review, continued research and data
be asked to sit leaning forward with their head on their gathering are needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms
arms that should rest on a table. Alternatively, the patient underlying the association of exposure to violence with
can try lying semiprone, with arms and legs slightly bent asthma.[21]
and relaxed, body and limbs well supported by pillows.[l0]
There is not enough evidence on the effectiveness of yoga Light therapy
in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,
epilepsy, stress reduction, insomnia, diabetes, multiple Dr. Richard Brouse, a chiropractic physician, biochemist,
sclerosis, myopathy, muscular dystrophy, back or neck pain, certiÞed clinical nutritionist, teacher, and author, says,
and other pain syndromes.[10-19] “The gentle heat of far-infrared helps to detoxify the body,
promotes relaxation, and improves circulation. It can also
Neurolinguistic psychotherapy help ease the pain and symptoms of problems such as
arthritis, allergies, asthma, injuries, and diabetes. In almost
Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy and Counseling is a every instance, it seems to reduce pain and speed the
specialized form of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), healing process. Again, thousands of people have reported
which is based on the idea that we ‘construct’ our own wonderful beneÞts from the use of the Hothouse and
reality. An NLP therapist/counselor works on the basis many after using it the very Þrst time. Trying to describe
that each one of us builds our own unique ‘models’ or what this complete therapy feels like is comparable to
‘maps’ of the world around us. Although such maps are trying to describe your most wonderful vacation you were
genuine and real to us as individuals, no one’s ‘map’ is fully on to your best friend. Words can't describe it, you need
able to represent the real world. Most elements of our to experience it.”[22]
‘maps of the world’ are useful and work well for us, but
some of our beliefs and behavior patterns get in the way Siddha medicine
of our own progress and can make us feel ‘stuck’ or out
of control. Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy and Counseling The leaves of the Justicia adhatoda plant contain the alkaloid,
draws on concepts from many areas of psychology and vasicine (C11H12N2O), which is responsible for low-level,
psychotherapy. It helps us to understand how and why we persistent bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is

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 Alternative medicine for bronchial asthma

chießy responsible for expectorant action. The leaves and of mucus.[27] Another manifestation of asthma might be
roots contain other alkaloids—vasicinone, vasicinolone, treated with a different preparation. Choosing remedies
and vasicol—which may contribute to the bronchodilatory based on the symptoms rather than the disease itself is
effect through anticholinergic action on the vagal an integral part of the holistic approach to treatment by
innervations of the bronchi. The bronchodilation effect homeopathic practitioners.[28] As the remedy in its pure
is considerably increased after atropine administration. form would likely have some degree of toxicity, it is diluted
Studies have also shown Vasa to be effective in the and shaken (succussed) in a 1:10 (X or D for decimal) or
treatment of amlapitta (dyspepsia) and pyorrhea. In vitro 1:100 (C for centesimal) dilution in a water-alcohol solution.
growth of several strains of Mycoplasma tuberculosis was The higher the dilution is, the more potent is the medicine.
inhibited by the essential oil at concentrations in the Insoluble substances are pulverized and formed into pellets
range of 2–20 g/mL. There has also been a report of with sucrose and/or lactose.[29] Highly diluted preparations
thrombopoetic (platelet-increasing) activity with vasicine. are greater than Avogadro’s number and no longer contain
Traditional Uses: The juice expressed from the leaves and the original molecule. The precise mechanism of action
the decoction of the leaves and roots are useful in asthma, of homeopathic medicines on biological symptoms is still
bronchitis, and other chronic coughs. Dried leaves are used unexplained. For many, the lack of a scientiÞc explanation
in dhoomapana (smoking) in the treatment of bronchial for homeopathic treatments raises questions about its
asthma. The leaf decoction is an excellent expectorant legitimacy. Some believe that complex interactions occur
when decocted with punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and then during dilutions that impart a ‘memory’ of the original
combined with ginger juice and black pepper. Another substance to the water molecule. The ongoing debate over its
effective preparation for the treatment of asthma is mechanisms of action is beyond the scope of this article.[30]
the decoction of vasa, guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and
kantakari (Solanum surratense) mixed with honey. Vasa has Hydrotherapy
also been used to treat skin conditions by combining it
with triphala and using the decoction both internally and Hydrotherapy is the use of water for recuperative and
externally. Vasa is also indicated in the treatment of internal healing purposes. Hydrotherapy treatment is largely
hemorrhage, and is used for this indication as a decoction considered to be the oldest form of medical treatment
with haritaki, made into a ghrita, or taken alone as the known to man. Hydrotherapy tubs and other items of
leaf juice.[23] Indications: asthma, bronchitis, cough, local hydrotherapy equipment are still used in modern times
bleeding, thrombocytopenia, pyorrhea for a vast range of therapeutic measures. Along with
treating diseases and improving wound healing, circulation,
Formulations and Dosage relaxation, digestion, and the immune system, hydrotherapy
Fresh leaf juice: 5–10 mL tid has been proven to be beneÞcial for people with acne,
Leaf powder: 3–5 g tid anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, burns, chronic fatigue
Leaf decoction: 2–3 oz tid syndrome, constipation, depression, and varicose veins etc.
Root powder: 3–5 g tid The reviewer suggests that the application of water to treat
Vasaghrita: 7–10 g Bid disease has been used throughout history. It is known that
Decoction: 1–2 oz bid Hippocrates (460–375 BC) used hot and cold water in the
treatment of multiple disease states.
Homeopathy 1. At present, hydrotherapy is applied to treat a myriad
of diseases including musculoskeletal problems. The
A major tenet of homeopathy is the law of similar or ‘like majority of the evidence on the effectiveness of
cures like’ (i.e., a substance can ‘cure’ in a patient the same hydrotherapy to treat the described disease states and
set of symptoms it can induce in a healthy individual).[24] ‘conditions’ comes from small case series/reports and
A plant, mineral, or other product is chosen on the basis subsequent low level evidence (Level 4).
that it would, if given to a healthy volunteer, cause the 2. The higher level evidence that was reviewed does
presenting symptoms of the patient. [25] When given in not suggest hydrotherapy is effective in treating
a very diluted form, the chosen homeopathic remedy osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing
should alleviate these symptoms. Currently, there are over spondylitis, chronic low back pain, and Þbromyalgia or
2000 substances known as remedies in the homeopathic pressure ulcers. There were two papers that did suggest
Materia Medica.[26] For example, a homeopathic preparation that post ACL reconstructive surgery patients may have
derived from cockroaches may be used to treat a form of better outcomes than those undertaking land-based
asthma characterized by suffocation with an accumulation exercises alone.

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 Sasi Kala, et al. J Young Pharm. 2009;1(2):184-189
3. The application of hydrotherapy is not always years. Low-cost intervention such as lifestyle changes,
without risk. There are reports in the literature diet, supplemental therapy, and behavioural medicine
regarding legionella infections, burn, folliculitis and can be delivered as substitutes for high-cost drugs and
hypersensitivity pneumonitis which were directly related technological intervention. All major alternative medicine
to the hydrotherapy.[31] systems approach illness Þrst by trying to support and
induce the self-healing process of the person. Policy
Massage therapy makers, politicians, doctors, and third parties must explore
variations in asthma care across countries and distinguish
There are many different types of massage—they all have between normal variations due to differences in health care
one aspect in common—they are a holistic, alternative systems and cultures, and variations that can be reduced
treatment. They bring about an effect on all the systems of through policies that improve the alternative systems of
the body - digestive, detoxiÞcation, respiratory, circulatory, medicine for asthma care and clinical practice.
lymphatic, endocrine, and nervous systems. It is thought
that many of today’s health problems arise from stress.
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