Q Can sleep apnea be managed with Korean medicine treatment alone, without CPAP?
A If the case is mild (AHI 5-14) and obesity and phlegm-dampness are the main causes, it can sometimes be adequately managed with Korean medicine treatment alone. For severe cases (AHI 30+), combining treatment with CPAP is safer.
Detailed Answer
Conditions Under Which Korean Medicine Management Alone Is Possible
If all of the following conditions are met, you may try Korean medicine treatment first without CPAP.
- Mild sleep apnea (estimated or confirmed AHI 5-14)
- Daytime sleepiness is not severe (ESS score below 10)
- No cardiovascular complications (no accompanying high blood pressure or arrhythmia)
- Overweight with a clearly defined phlegm-dampness and Spleen-deficiency constitution
CPAP Is Essential for Severe Patients
If the case is severe with an AHI of 30 or higher, or if night-time oxygen saturation repeatedly drops below 85%, CPAP use is medically recommended to prevent cardiovascular complications. In this case, Dongjedang recommends CPAP use while at the same time aiming to shorten the period of CPAP optimal-pressure dependence through formulas that improve the phlegm-dampness constitution.
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