Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Asthma

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have long been used to treat asthma.  It is especially important during the cold and flu season to keep asthma under control.  For people with asthma, common colds not only cause sinus headaches and cough, it can also lead to wheezing, asthma attacks, and a cycle of colds which is difficult to stop.

In Chinese medicine, a lack of energy, or qi, is the most common imbalance that leads to asthma.  When there is too little qi, people are often very susceptible to getting a cold or flu.

Acupuncture helps to treat asthma by boosting your qi. Acupuncture can help treat symptoms of colds and boost your immune system.  Acupuncture points such as Stomach 36 on the legs and Lung 7 on the arms can boost the energy in the body.  Kidney 3, near the ankle, is also very effective for boosting energy.  Cupping can also help to relieve the feeling of chest tightness and congestion.

Chinese herbs are also very effective to treat asthma.  During my training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, my mentor, Dr. Xiu Min Li, has done extensive research on Chinese herbs for asthma.   Much of her research shows that Chinese herbs regulate the immune system and reduce the inflammatory processes associated with asthma.

One formula that is often used to prevent colds with people with asthma is called Jade Wind Screen, or in Yu Ping Feng San  in Chinese.  This simple formula is good for boosting qi which protects the body from getting a cold.  It has huang qi (astragalus), bai zhu (atractylodes), and fang feng (siler).  Huang qi and bai zhu boost qi, while a small amount fang feng works to attack germs which you may come in contact with.  I find the mushroom reishi also to be helpful for preventing colds with those with asthma.

Call 917-887-4946 or e-mail us to find out more about acupuncture for asthma.

Read what our patients are saying about acupuncture for asthma.