Acupuncture for Persistent Dyspnea Despite Medical Treatment in COPD

Acupuncture will be administered twice weekly for 5 weeks (10 sessions total) at predefined bilateral acupoints: LU1, LU9, LI18, ST36, GB12, BL13, BL20, and BL23. Single-use, sterile 25 mm × 0.25 mm needles will be inserted at each point for 20 minutes per session.

"Patients in this group receive standard pharmacological treatment for COPD according to current clinical guidelines. Treatment includes either dual or triple inhaler therapy:~Dual Therapy (LABA + LAMA): Patients receive a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) such as Formoterol, Salmeterol, Olodaterol, Vilanterol, or Indacaterol, in combination with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) such as Tiotropium bromide, Umeclidinium, or Glycopyrronium.~Triple Therapy (LABA + LAMA + ICS): Patients receive the above combination of LABA and LAMA plus an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) such as Budesonide, Fluticasone, or Beclometasone.~These medications may be administered either as fixed-dose combination inhalers or as separate inhalers, depending on patient needs and physician discretion. The treatment regimen is individualized based on clinical condition, prior therapy, and symptom severity."