Conventional treatments and remedies almost always help to a certain degree, but one must ask, are there any other effective methods to supplement my existing treatment?

Some "alternative" methods for asthma treatment reliefs include chiropractic manipulation of the spine and rib cage which is thought to improve lung function. Are these treatments really alternative or just another spin-off treatment for many medical practioners.

Is there really alternative asthma treatment?

Another alternative non-conventional method for asthma treatment involves acupuncture which is thought to somehow improve breathing process, however there is no conclusive evidence on this method.

Though not right for everyone, many sufferers of asthma have found relief through the use of alternative herbal medicines in addition to their current asthma treatment.

Herbal medicines can help treat a wide spectrum of conditions and can act as anything from a natural weight loss, to the treatment of insomnia.

Natural asthma formulas usually contain a range of ingredients including blood root, St. John's Wort, mullein, saw palmetto, wild cherry bark, amongst others.

These natural ingredients work together to effectively aid the process of breathing. Besides the above, using traditional chinese medicine magnolia flower bud (essential oil) can really relieve asthma attacks on adults and children.

So now you're aware that there are other methods to help treat asthma. Keep in mind that you should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.

Ask your doctor about "alternative" treatments and become educated on all possible avenues of asthma treatment relief.

It's estimated that between 20 and 40 million people suffer from the disease and its attacks can be debilitating and frightening, especially if the medication used to treat it produces unwanted side effects like anxiety and chest pain.

Fortunately, there are non-drug remedies to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks in Blacks and decrease severity when they do occur. Alternative remedies include acupuncture, breathing exercises, diet, environmental changes and nutritional supplements. Let's briefly look at each.

1) Pins & Needles Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that relieves pain and other conditions by the placement of small needles that stimulate certain responsive parts of the body's nervous system.

It has been proven effective in maintaining proper lung function, a key necessity for asthma sufferers. Contrary to its painful image of pin and needle-pricked skin, most acupuncture patients find the experience totally painless and experience immediate relief from symptoms.

But effective acupuncture is both a science and an art and should be administered by licensed professionals only.

2) Take A Deep Breath Most of us are guilty of shallow breathing, an especially serious problem for asthmatics who can't exhale with force.

Air gets trapped in the lungs causing the gasping seizures so typical of the disease. Breathing exercises that fully engage the diaphragm to draw air in and out are an effective way to strengthen the lungs and control attacks.

Yoga adepts who emphasize the importance of good breathing as fundamental to good health recommend the following techniques. First, relax. Put yourself in a meditative pose and focus on peaceful imagery.

Second, breathe in deeply while visualizing your stomach (diaphragm) expanding and contracting, rather than your chest. Last, count your breaths. Inhale on three counts and exhale on six. Exhale through slightly parted lips.

3) Watch What You Eat - Your dietSugar, salt and processed foods are bad, bad, bad! They can trigger inflammation and allergic reactions that produce asthmatic episodes, so evaluate your diet and eliminate these no-no's. Then use the strategy employed when introducing first foods to babies.

Eat only one food at a time, milk for example, to see if it triggers an allergic or asthmatic reaction. If it can be tolerated with good results, add other foods one by one to determine whether or not they're a safe addition to your diet.