A trial studying the effects of acupuncture for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) has been carried out at two hospitals in Japan. Thirty patients were divided into two groups. Both groups remained on their usual medication, but in addition, one group received acupuncture weekly for ten weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the acupuncture group showed significantly less breathing difficulty after a standard six minute walk test.
(The Effect of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, November 2008).