An estimated 26.8 million individuals in the United States suffer with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) and nearly half of Americans with COPD (i.e., 12 million) go undiagnosed and untreated [1]. Нe overwhelming majority (94%) of COPD cases are attributed to smoking [2]; however, environmental and occupational exposures (e.g., dust, fuels, and other irritants), asthma, and tuberculosis may also increase COPD risk [3]. COPD represents the third leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide [4]. The World Health Organization predicts COPD will become the leading cause of death world-wide by 2050. COPD, which represents a major public health threat, carries a significant cost burden associated with hospitalizations and healthcare, impaired daily functioning, disability, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and challenges for caregivers [5]. Current treatment recommendations focus on prevention (smoking cessation) and palliative measure (pharmacotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation), and surgery. Despite the severity and costs, these traditional therapies have been inadequate for consistently slowing the procession of the disease or improving the patient’s quality of life. In addition, medications may be associated with negative side effects. This paper critiques traditional therapies and argue for expansion of complementary therapies.
