Use of complementary therapies (also known as complementary and alternative medicine) for asthma is common in the Australian population.
This information paper provides an evidence-based summary of the effectiveness of various complementary therapies used by people with asthma.
This information paper was prepared in consultation with the following health professionals:
And with the assistance of Ms Lesh Karan, medical writer.
The NAC also wishes to thank:
Ms Sarah Thorning (trials search coordinator, Bond University) Associate Professor Hiran Selvadurai, paediatric respiratory physician.
Supported through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.
National Asthma Council Australia
Asthma and Complementary Therapies: An information paper for health professionals
Melbourne: National Asthma Council Australia, 2013.
A production error was identified after this information paper was printed. The error has been corrected in the online version of the resources. If you have a printed version, please amend your copy accordingly.
The overall ranking symbol for Qigong (page 13) should be square as seen in the updated table below:
A PDF copy of the references is available here.
A corresponding version of this information paper has been developed for people with asthma and their carers: Asthma & Complementary Therapies: A guide to the use of complementary therapies for those living with asthma
Printed copies of our resources, including this information paper and patient brochure, can be ordered by clicking here.
To order larger numbers of this patient brochure, please contact the Department of Health's warehouse directly: National Mailing and Marketing on 02 6269 1080 or email health@nationalmailing.com.au
Although all care has been taken, this information paper is only a general guide; it is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained.
© 2013