Asthma and Complementary Therapies in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Living with asthma in Grand Rapids means managing symptoms through four distinct seasons—from cold, damp winters and spring pollen to summer humidity and fall mold. While standard asthma medicines are the foundation of good control, many people in West Michigan also explore complementary therapies.

This guide explains common complementary therapies for asthma, what the evidence shows, and how to use them safely alongside your regular treatment in Grand Rapids, MI.

What Are Complementary Therapies?

Complementary therapies are health practices or products used in addition to standard medical care. They are different from “alternative” therapies, which are used instead of conventional medicine.

Complementary therapies may:

  • Be based on different ideas about how disease develops and how the body heals
  • Include techniques like acupuncture, yoga, breathing exercises, herbal remedies, and supplements
  • Have varying levels of scientific evidence—some are better studied than others

In Grand Rapids, people with asthma may seek complementary therapies through:

  • Private wellness and yoga studios
  • Acupuncturists and massage therapists
  • Integrative medicine providers affiliated with major health systems like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health

Always remember: complementary therapies are meant to complement, not replace, your prescribed asthma treatment.

Safety First: Any Treatment Can Help or Harm

Every treatment—conventional or complementary—has the potential for benefits and side effects.

Before trying any complementary therapy for asthma in Grand Rapids:

  • Talk to your primary care provider or pulmonologist (for children, talk to their pediatrician or asthma specialist at places like Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital)
  • Never stop or reduce your asthma medicines (inhalers, controllers, or rescue inhalers) unless your doctor tells you to
  • Ask how you can track whether the therapy is helping, for example:
    • Keeping an asthma diary
    • Monitoring peak flow readings
    • Noting nighttime symptoms or use of your rescue inhaler

Complementary Therapies That May Trigger Asthma Symptoms

Some products and therapies can actually worsen asthma, especially in people sensitive to certain ingredients. These may include:

  • Products containing aspirin or aspirin-like compounds (salicylates)
  • Some herbal remedies or supplements that irritate the airways
  • Strong-smelling oils or incense used in some therapies

If you have asthma and live in Grand Rapids, where cold air and indoor heating can already irritate your lungs, adding triggers from untested products can make symptoms worse. Always review any supplements or natural products with your doctor or pharmacist.

Acupuncture and Asthma

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that involves placing thin, sterile needles into specific points on the skin to influence the flow of energy (“qi” or “chi”). Many people use acupuncture for pain, stress, and other conditions.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a well-trained, licensed practitioner using sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe. In Grand Rapids, look for:

  • Licensed acupuncturists
  • Practitioners affiliated with reputable clinics or hospital-based integrative medicine programs

Does Acupuncture Help Asthma?

  • Research has not shown strong evidence that acupuncture improves asthma control, lung function, or reduces flare-ups.
  • Some people report feeling more relaxed, which may help if stress is a trigger for their asthma—but this is indirect benefit.

Bottom line: You may choose acupuncture for relaxation or other issues, but do not rely on it to treat asthma. Keep taking your prescribed asthma medicines.

Diet, Nutrition, and Asthma

In Michigan, where winters are long and indoor time is high, diet and nutrition can play an important role in overall health and immune support.

Dairy and Asthma

It is a common belief that avoiding dairy products will help asthma, but:

  • Most people with asthma do not need to avoid dairy
  • You should only stop eating dairy if you have a confirmed allergy to cow’s milk or lactose intolerance, diagnosed by a doctor or allergist

Healthy Eating and Lung Function

Some studies suggest that:

  • A diet high in fruits and vegetables may improve lung function and reduce asthma flare-ups
  • Children who eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and fish may have a lower chance of developing asthma

For Grand Rapids residents:

  • Aim for at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day
  • Consider heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory foods common in Great Lakes regions (fish rich in omega-3s, whole grains, legumes)

If you are thinking about major diet changes or supplements, discuss them with your doctor or a registered dietitian at local health systems such as Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Herbal Medicine and Asthma

Herbal medicine uses treatments made from plants and is one of the oldest forms of medicine worldwide.

What Does the Evidence Say?

  • There has not been enough high-quality research to prove that herbal medicines help asthma.
  • Some herbs can interact with asthma medications or cause allergic reactions, which can be serious.

Common herbal products sometimes used (but not recommended for asthma without medical guidance) include:

  • Echinacea
  • Bee pollen
  • Royal jelly
  • Propolis
  • Garlic supplements

Important Cautions

Herbal medicines:

  • Can have side effects
  • May not be safe during pregnancy
  • Are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist in Grand Rapids before starting any herbal medicine, especially for children, pregnant individuals, or people with multiple health conditions.

Buteyko Breathing and Other Breathing Exercises

Buteyko is a therapy focused on specific breathing exercises designed to reduce hyperventilation and improve breathing patterns.

What We Know About Buteyko

Some studies suggest that Buteyko breathing exercises may:

  • Reduce asthma symptoms
  • Decrease the use of reliever (rescue) inhalers

However:

  • There has not been enough research to confirm these benefits for everyone with asthma.
  • Improvements, if they occur, usually take time and consistent daily practice over weeks or months.

General Breathing Exercises

Other structured breathing programs (often taught by respiratory therapists, physical therapists, or specialized instructors) may:

  • Help some people feel less short of breath
  • Improve relaxation and body awareness

Important:

  • Breathing exercises do not replace your reliever medicine when your asthma is getting worse.
  • If you’re interested in Buteyko or other breathing therapies, speak with your doctor or asthma educator at a Grand Rapids clinic or hospital first.

Yoga and Asthma

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation. In Grand Rapids, yoga classes are widely available in studios, community centers, and some hospital wellness programs.

Potential Benefits

Many people report that yoga:

  • Improves flexibility and fitness
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Enhances overall well-being

Research suggests yoga may:

  • Improve asthma symptoms for some people
  • Possibly reduce medication use

But the evidence is not strong enough to recommend yoga as a primary asthma treatment.

Using Yoga Safely with Asthma

  • Choose gentle or beginner-friendly classes, especially if cold air, intense exertion, or strong scents trigger your asthma.
  • Let your instructor know you have asthma.
  • Avoid poses that make breathing difficult or trigger coughing.

Always keep using your prescribed asthma medicines, and carry your reliever inhaler to class, especially during winter in Grand Rapids when moving from cold outdoor air to warm indoor studios can be a trigger.

Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Other Manual Therapies

Chiropractic and osteopathic treatments involve expert manipulation of the spine and joints.

What Does Research Show?

  • Studies have shown that chiropractic or spinal manipulation does not improve asthma.
  • These therapies may help with back pain or posture, but they should not be used as a treatment for asthma.

If you choose to see a chiropractor or manual therapist in West Michigan:

  • Make sure they know you have asthma.
  • Do not allow anyone to change or stop your asthma medications.

Hypnosis, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation and focused attention. Meditation and mindfulness help people focus on the present moment and reduce stress.

How Can They Help?

  • Hypnosis, meditation, and mindfulness do not treat the physical symptoms of asthma directly.
  • However, they can:
    • Reduce stress and anxiety
    • Improve coping skills
    • Help if stress is a known trigger for your asthma

Relaxation methods that may be helpful include:

  • Guided imagery
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Yoga-based breathing and relaxation

These techniques can be learned through:

  • Behavioral health providers in Grand Rapids
  • Hospital-based wellness programs
  • Local therapists and counselors
  • Online programs recommended by your healthcare team

Use them as add-ons to your asthma action plan, not as replacements for medication.

Homeopathy and Asthma

Homeopathy is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in large amounts can, in very small amounts, stimulate the body’s healing response.

Evidence for Homeopathy in Asthma

  • There is no reliable research showing that homeopathy helps people with asthma.
  • Homeopathic remedies should not be used instead of proven asthma treatments.

If you are considering homeopathy in Grand Rapids:

  • Discuss it with your doctor first.
  • Never stop your inhaled steroids or other prescribed medicines in favor of homeopathic products.

Some people with asthma consider additional complementary approaches:

  • Air purifiers or ionizers: May help if you have specific indoor allergens, but not all devices are effective. Ask your doctor which features matter (HEPA filter, no ozone production).
  • Salt therapy (halotherapy): Sessions in “salt rooms” or using salt inhalers are popular in some wellness centers. Current evidence does not support salt therapy as an effective asthma treatment.

Always review these options with your healthcare provider, especially if you have moderate to severe asthma or frequent flare-ups.

Don’t Change or Stop Your Asthma Medicines

Whether you are trying acupuncture, yoga, breathing exercises, herbal remedies, or any other complementary therapy:

  • Do not change or stop your controller or rescue asthma medicines without medical guidance.
  • Complementary therapies should support, not replace, your standard asthma care.

In Grand Rapids, where winter respiratory infections, cold air, and seasonal allergies are common, staying on your prescribed asthma plan is especially important to prevent emergency visits and hospitalizations.

Local Asthma Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you have access to several asthma and lung health resources:

  • Primary Care Providers & Pediatricians
    • Family medicine and pediatric clinics across Grand Rapids
  • Pulmonologists and Asthma Specialists
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Pediatric asthma clinics and education programs
    • Educational videos and resources to help families manage childhood asthma
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health Programs
    • Community health education
    • Information on air quality, smoking cessation, and chronic disease management
  • Local Pharmacists
    • Medication counseling
    • Inhaler technique review
    • Interaction checks for herbs and supplements

Ask your care team about:

  • Written asthma action plans
  • Asthma education classes or support programs
  • Help identifying and reducing triggers at home, school, or work

Key Points for Grand Rapids Residents with Asthma

  • Any treatment has the potential to help as well as harm. Always discuss new therapies with your doctor.
  • Some complementary therapies and products, especially those containing aspirin or certain herbs, can worsen asthma symptoms.
  • Most complementary therapies are meant to complement—not replace—your regular asthma medicines.
  • Acupuncture, yoga, breathing exercises, hypnosis, and meditation may improve stress, relaxation, and overall well-being, but evidence that they directly improve asthma is limited.
  • There is little to no strong evidence that herbal medicine, chiropractic manipulation, homeopathy, or salt therapy improve asthma control.
  • Always carry your reliever inhaler with you and use it as directed when your asthma is getting worse—no complementary therapy replaces this.
  • Work with your Grand Rapids healthcare team to create a safe, personalized plan that combines proven asthma treatments with any complementary approaches you choose to try.

If you’re unsure whether a complementary therapy is safe for your asthma, schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist at a local Grand Rapids clinic or hospital before starting.