AN innovative project to investigate how complementary therapies can help asthma sufferers is to be set up in Tavistock.
The project follows a similar scheme in Plymouth started earlier this month, whereby volunteer asthma sufferers will find out how different approaches to the disease may help relieve their symptoms, alongside orthodox medicines.
The therapies will include buteyko, a new Russian breathing technique which has already received wide acclaim, shiatsu, acupuncture, homoeopathy, kineseology and aromatherapy massage. Local doctors will also be involved in the project.
Caroline Keane, a trauma specialist counsellor from Tavistock who was involved in setting up the Plymouth project, said: 'Buteyko has been very successful in Europe amongst people suffering from asthma, particularly children.
'Asthma is a very pressing problem and the hope is we may find a way of helping people without relying on chemicals.'
Mrs Keane, who is also a West Devon councillor, trained in trauma counselling in America. She has just been awarded a Community Champions Fund grant to attend the advanced diploma in trauma at Nottingham and Trent University.
'It's a very innovative course, it's the first one which has been run in this country,' said Mrs Keane, who said stress, trauma and asthma are often linked.
Anyone interested in the Tavistock asthma project should contact Caroline Keane on 01822 610546.