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How Asthma is seen in terms of Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, there are many factors that may cause asthma, for example diet, emotional disturbances, congenital weakness, chronic illnesses or the invasion of external pathogenic factors.

Pathogenic factors

External pathogenic factors may include pollen, cigarette smoke, and any other allergens.

Asthma attacks due to the invasion of external pathogenic factors are most likely to occur when the temperature is cold or if there is a rapid change in weather. As the Lung is attacked, its function becomes impaired, and phlegm starts to form.

Diet

Diet can also trigger an asthma attack.  Too much raw and cold food can be hard for the body to digest and contribute to stagnation of fluid circulation and the increase in the production of phlegm.  Heavy, sweet, and greasy food tends to create phlegm in the body.  Fish, crabs, shellfish and other seafood have also been noted to increase the likelihood of asthma attacks.

Emotional factors

Stress and emotional upsets can trigger episodes of asthma.

Congenital weakness

Congenital weakness and chronic illness are also common causes of asthma.  People with chronic illness, such as cough and recurrent cold/flu, are less likely to have strong Lungs.

Asthma and Acupuncture

We all recognize the symptoms of asthma: wheezing, cough and shortness of breath - because we all know someone who suffers from it.  It occurs as recurrent attacks ranging from mild to life-threatening, and unfortunately, certain forms of it get worse during the seasons many of us enjoy most - spring and summer.

Fortunately, acupuncture can often help.

The use of acupuncture and dietary therapy can be very helpful to reduce the symptoms of asthma and sinus disease.

Where emotional stress is a factor in asthma, acupuncture can also address these issues.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture appears to act on the nervous system, causing the bronchioles to expand and mucus membranes to contract, leading to improved breathing.  Acupuncture also appears to reduce the level of inflammatory chemicals in the blood, thereby reducing allergic responses.

The effects of acupuncture are cumulative.  After a series of treatments, there is often a reduction in the frequency and severity of attacks.  Acupuncture can help strengthen a person's constitution and overall health so that their allergic response is reduced.