Today is World Asthma Day, and today’s post will examine the use of massage to help asthma symptoms in children.

According to data from the CDC, asthma is the most common chronic disease among American children, afflicting over 6 million children. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospital admissions among children 15 and younger. It is also a leading cause of school absenteeism.

In China, a number of traditional therapies such as acupuncture are used to help with asthma. Another traditional therapy is massage. A group of researchers in Shanghai China performed a review and meta-analysis of the published research on asthma and massage therapy. They included 14 studies totaling 1300 subjects in their analysis.

The researchers concluded that massage therapy significantly improved the efficacy of asthma treatments in children, and also showed improved in pulmonary function measures.

Similar to the post yesterday regarding adding acupuncture to a conventional asthma regimen, consideration of what appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment in massage seems reasonable in those already being treated for asthma.

“Anyone wishing to study medicine must master the art of massage”– Hippocrates

(Source- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2017)

This blog is a review of published medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposed. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.