Breathing problems often result from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. They can also result from allergies and asthma. Breathing difficulty improves with acupuncture on specific points related to the lungs and bronchial tubes as well as on points that support the immune system. Healing the immune system is important in treating breathing issues related to immune response, such as allergies. In May 2012, Fox News reported a recent study in Japan, which showed a correlation between shortness of breath and acupuncture. The study showed that COPD Patients treated regularly with acupuncture showed a marked improvement in their breathing. One of the ways that acupuncture is so successful in the treatment of breathing problems is that it relaxes the muscles around the chest wall so that the chest can expand and contract more fully. It also allows for improved dilation of the bronchial tubes so that air moves more freely in and out of the lungsFor this reason, a patient can feel instant relief after just one treatment. Acupuncture clears and heals the energy systems that support healthy lung and bronchial tube function to improve breathing on a more permanent basis and allow for free, unobstructed breathing.