ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA- A REVIEW FROM A PEDIATRIC PERSPECTIVE

Some of the most widely used alternative treatment methods for bronchi al asthma are discussed. The relevant literature, especially controlle d clinical studies for the evaluation of effectiveness, a re reviewed. After briefly discussing definitions, sociodemographic data, and stra tegies to evaluate any treatment of bronchial asthma,the following met hods are reviewed: Acupuncture,Homoeopathy, Yoga, Hypnosis, Autogenic training, Muscle relaxation treatment, Manual medicine, Ionisation of air,and Bioresonance. In summary, decently done clinical studies are s carce, and results, more often than not, are contradictory;Yoga,and po ssibly also Hypnosis, might be exceptions in this generally poor scien tific profile;these two methods might have some therapeutic efficacy i n asthma.