One of the realities of having asthma is that you will probably need to take some type of asthma medicine for the rest of your life. There is no known cure for asthma and controlling asthma symptoms generally requires you to take asthma at least on an as needed basis for flare-ups. Most people need to take preventive, or controller, asthma medicine every day, or even twice a day.

However, a recent research study offers validation for an alternative asthma therapy that's been around since the 1960s. It's called the Papworth Method.

This integrated breathing and relaxation technique has been used by physical therapists for decades, but its merits have never been proven scientifically. But, a study reported in the April 6th issue of Thorax journal by Elizabeth Holloway, a Research Physiotherapist in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University College London, involved 85 patients divided into a control group and a treatment group.

Results were obtained via questionnaires, both after the Papworth Breathing was taught and 12 months later. Patients in the treatment group had significantly lower scores, meaning their breathing was much more relaxed. So, researchers concluded that the Papworth method appeared to lessen asthma symptoms and improve mood compared with usual asthma care (i.e., the control group).

This study was a small one, and larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these initial findings. Still, it's encouraging to think there may be non-medical solutions to treating asthma.

More: The Papworth Breathing Study | Other Natural Health Asthma Treatments