Acupuncture for Asthma

Imbalances Causes Asthma in Acupuncture

According to acupuncture, 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 asthma, frequent colds, and allergies.

The idea behind Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment is that it corrects imbalances in the body. Once the imbalance is corrected you feel better and healthier. Asthma may be caused by a too little energy, or qi deficiency. In Chinese medicine, immunity comes from qi, the body’s energy. Qi is similar to our general idea of energy in the West. It is the energy that gives us the power to do things, like work, study, grow, and exercise. It also protects us from getting sick. When we say, “I am wiped out, I have no energy,” you can also say you have no qi.

Acupuncture for asthma

Acupuncture treatment focuses on correcting the root imbalance that is causing your asthma, resetting the body to be healthy. Acupuncture also helps to boost immunity preventing you from getting a cold. 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

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 Herbal medicine for Asthma

The treatment of asthma may also involve Chinese herbs. Chinese herbs have long been used to treat asthma, The herbs are focused on correcting the imbalance and regulating the immune system. Most often, Chinese herbs are given as formulas, that is a combination of many different herbs combined which are taken together.

The combination helps to create a synergy. Herbs correctly combined together are more powerful than single herbs. They also work together to reduce side effects.

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.

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.

Other therapies used for Asthma

Acupressure

Acupressure can also help people with asthma. Gentle rubbing the points of PC6, LI 4, and ST 36 can boost your energy and immunity. LI 4 works specifically to treat frontal headaches.

Acupressure

Chinese cupping is a technique which glass or plastic cups create a suction on the skin. This helps to increase the circulation at that area. It has been used with many different type of respiratory conditions. With asthma, it helps to open the lungs and increase the expectoration of phlegm.

It is also important to watch what you eat. Avoiding dairy and greasy food is important for those with asthma. Dairy often stimulates the production of mucus and phlegm. Ice cream and milk are the worst offenders. Yogurt in moderation maybe ok. For those with severe asthma, it is better to avoid dairy products in general to help the body clear out the phlegm