Positive Health Online

Abstract

MCCARNEY and others, Department of Psychological Medicine, Imperial College London, Room 4.06, Paterson Centre, 20 South Wharf Road, London W2 1PD, have reviewed (46 references) acupuncture for chronic asthma.

Background

The aim of the review was to assess the effects of acupuncture on asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

Methodology

Literature databases were searched up to August 2003. Randomized trials using needle acupuncture or other forms of stimulation of acupoints were included. At least two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. An experienced acupuncturist assessed the adequacy of the active and sham acupunctures used.

Results

11 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 324 patients. Trial reporting was poor. Some of the points used as sham points are in fact acupoints used in treatment of asthma in some treatment systems. No statistical significance of clinically relevant effects were found for acupuncture compared to placebo treatment.

Conclusion

There is not enough evidence at present to recommend acupuncture in asthma treatment. Future research needs to consider the complexities and different types of acupuncture.

References

McCarney RW, Brinkhaus B, Lasserson TJ, Linde K. Acupuncture for chronic asthma. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004 (1): CD 000008.