Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes a narrowing and swelling of the airways along with extra mucus production, which causes a restriction of airflow. Asthma may make it difficult to breathe and may cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be a mild condition or may be life-threatening for some people. Asthma can be triggered by airborne pathogens such as pollen, dust, mold, or other known allergens. Respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu may also cause asthma symptoms to flare up. For some people, exercise and cold air can also exacerbate asthma. Asthma is usually controlled with the use of a rescue inhaler or in some cases an oral steroid may be prescribed by a doctor.
Acupuncture for treating asthma symptoms
In Chinese medicine, asthma symptoms may be caused by a few different factors including external pathogenic invasion, constitutional weakness (congenital), diet, and emotional disturbances. In most cases, this leads to an accumulation of pathogenic phlegm, which obstructs lung function. Acupuncture can help to resolve phlegm while also addressing the underlying cause of the illness.
Chinese medicine and respiratory disease
Chinese medicine practitioners may also use other modalities to help with the treatment of respiratory conditions. Dietary modifications are often used in Chinese medicine to help address underlying factors that may be contributing to respiratory conditions. Some foods are particularly inflammatory for people with this condition, and may also result in the production of excess phlegm. While some foods should be avoided, there are other foods that may be recommended to help promote healthy lung function. Chinese herbs may also be prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner to further support the lungs. As Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine, dietary recommendations, and herbal prescriptions are based on each individual patient. What may be the underlying cause of respiratory problems in one patient may be different in another. At Advanced Holistic Center, we will come up with a treatment plan specific to your needs and presenting signs and symptoms.