Acupuncture COPD Relief

Recent studies show that acupuncture can be an effective treatment to alleviate symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Researchers conducted a study on two test groups:

• One group got COPD treatment w/ placebo needling.
• The other group got authentic electroacupuncture.

Researchers concluded that acupuncture reduces the chance for small airway obstructions, while boosting breathing volume, ventilation, respiratory function, and exercise tolerance.

About COPD

COPD is an umbrella term to explain diseases that involve airflow blockage and breathing problems, and can include disorders like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea
• Coughing

Treatment can range from the use of rescue inhalers and oral steroids to exercises, lifestyle modifications, and medications.

Study Results

The results of the study revealed that the true acupuncture group showed big improvements over the placebo group, across many parameters. Those parameters included:

• Maximal Expiratory Flow (MEF)
• COPD Assessment Test (CAT)
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise/Metabolic Equivalent Test Index (MET)
• FVC Exhaled
• Maximal Expiratory Flow (MEF)
• Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
• 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD)
• Maximal Minute Ventilation (VEmax)
• Oxygen Uptake Per Kilogram Body Weight (VO2)

The improvements due to acupuncture greatly increased the participants’ quality of life.

In the study, researchers found that electroacupuncture increased mucociliary clearance, reducing the incidence of lung damage. It also relieved dyspnea and lowered inhibited airway remodeling. The determination was that acupuncture can be an effective way to treat very high secretions and fibrosis of chronic mucus within the small airways.

The study involved 62 patients with COPD, who were categorized into an electroacupuncture group and a sham control group. A total of 32 cases were placed in each group. Patients ranged in age from 40 to 70 years old. Exclusion criteria included severe mental disorders, cardiac diseases, blood diseases, malfunctions of the lower limb, tumors and high blood pressure.

Treatment was administered every other day for six weeks. Both groups were given medication to relieve coughs and reduce phlegm. Plus, they each underwent 40-minute aerobic exercises using a stationary bike.

In the electroacupuncture group, 0.30 mm × 025 mm filiform needles were perpendicularly inserted.

The results showed that electroacupuncture can be an effective treatment to alleviate symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Contact Metro Detroit Acupuncture

If you suffer from COPD and would like to learn more about how acupuncture treatment can help, reach out to us at (248) 432-2846. As Metro Detroit’s leading acupuncture and pain management clinic, you can trust us to provide comprehensive services and results.