Treating Asthma with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Asthma, specifically allergic asthma has been on a steady rise for the past few decades with increasing incidence in children and adults. Close to 1 in 10 children in the U.S. will develop asthma in their lifetime. The allergic triggers can vary widely from pollen or dust to temperature changes or even strong emotional expressions like laughing or crying.
For many children who develop asthma, they are also more likely to have a constellation of symptoms including eczema, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. While there is often a remission period for some through the teen years, asthma can continue to recur throughout life for many people. Physical activity, seasonal allergies, and even hormonal changes prior to a menstrual cycle or during pregnancy can trigger asthma in adulthood.
What can acupuncture and herbal medicine offer in these cases? So much! From acute relief to long term improvement and prevention of symptoms, Chinese Medicine has many tools for treating asthma. With the proper diagnosis and a combination of customized herbal formulas and acupuncture, asthma can be effectively managed with Chinese Medicine in both children and adults.
Treatment for asthma may include acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine. Acupuncture targeting the lungs can help to strengthen our lung function, clear phlegm, and reduce inflammation. It also supports our whole immune system, helping to regulate allergic responses, and can address any address deeper systemic issues.
Cupping over the back of the lungs can help open the lungs and settle wheezing, release chest tightness, and move stuck phlegm from the lungs which is especially helpful with seasonal allergy tiggers.
Herbal Medicine can help treat the root cause of the asthma and help to improve our immune function to help balance out our allergic responses and reduce or prevent future asthma attacks.
Questions about treating Asthma and Allergies with TCM? Contact Allison today!
