Work

A survey on the current status of Korean Medicine practices for asthma among Korean Medicine doctors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting millions of people worldwide, with a growing prevalence in South Korea. Korean medicine (KM), which includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and other holistic therapies, is widely used for asthma treatment in South Korea. However, data on the clinical practices of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) are limited. This study aimed to assess the current status of KM practices in treating asthma. METHODS: A clinical practice survey was conducted from 22 July to 5 August 2024, targeting all licenced KMDs. A total of 27,662 KMDs were invited and 402 completed the survey. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, diagnostic and treatment practices and challenges in the management of asthma. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the findings. RESULTS: Herbal medicine (97.76%) and acupuncture (68.41%) were the primary treatments for asthma, with high patient satisfaction (93.78% for herbal medicine). The most prescribed herbal formulas were Maekmundong-tang (43.03%) and Cheongsangboha-tang (41.29%). Most KMDs treated mild asthma (67.71%) and reported high levels of integration with Western medicine (WM), with 38.56% of KMDs indicating that 76 - 100% of their patients used Western medications concurrently. Key challenges included financial barriers (64.43%) and a need for better access to diagnostic tools and standardised treatment protocols. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice survey provides valuable information on the clinical practices of KMDs in asthma care, underscoring the significant role of herbal medicine and acupuncture. The findings clarify treatment approaches and patient groups suited to KM, offering a foundation for future clinical trials, clinical pathway (CP) development and integration with WM.

Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-05155-8

Authors: Soo-Dam Kim, Sungha Kim, Hee-Jae Jung, Kwan-Il Kim, Yee Ran Lyu, Beom-Joon Lee

Institutions: Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,195