It is more accurate to see acupuncture treatment as playing an adjunctive role.

We use it to release muscular tension in the upper back and around the chest wall so as to aid chest movement in breathing, and to address muscles stiffened by coughing. Asthma patients often have the accessory muscles of respiration chronically tense.

However, acupuncture cannot directly lower airway inflammation. The inhaled steroid does that.

During an acute attack you must not come for acupuncture treatment. You must use the reliever you were prescribed and receive emergency care immediately. If you are too breathless to finish a sentence or your lips turn blue, do not delay.