Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
Published on: May 12, 2023
[Zone therapy and asthma]
Thor Brygge1, John Hilligsøe Heinig, Philippa Collins
1H:S Rigshospitalet, allergiklinikken, ortopaedkirurgisk afdeling, Københavns Universitet, Biostatistisk Afdeling og øjenpatologisk Institut. thorbrygge@dadlnet.dk
Introduction:
Many patients with asthma seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology. Our aim was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma.
Material And Methods:
Ten weeks of either active or simulated (placebo) reflexology were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 40 patients with asthma.
Results:
Objective lung function tests did not change. Subjective scores and bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found in the groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. At the same time a significant pattern compatible with subconscious un-blinding was found.
Discussion:
We found no evidence that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond a placebo influence.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma-I: Introduction
