Alleviating Asthma

Asthma involves recurring attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing, and expectoration of phlegm. In terms of Chinese medicine, asthma can involve not only the lungs, but also the adrenal glands, especially in chronic cases. We say that the adrenals "fail to grasp the Qi (energy) of the Lungs," so coughing and wheezing result.

Interestingly enough, Western medicine treats asthma primarily with steroid medications, which stimulate the adrenal glands, but can not only cause severe side effects, including hypertension, cataracts, stomach ulcers, and osteoporosis, but can also lead to adrenal gland failure in some cases of long-term use.

Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can nourish and strengthen both the lungs and the adrenals, so that they become stronger, better able to do their jobs, and more resistant to acute episodes, without side effects from long-term use. In fact, in one Danish study of chronic asthmatics, patients experienced a 22 percent increase in airflow and a 50 percent reduction in the need for bronchial dilator drugs within two weeks of starting acupuncture. Other studies have reported similar benefits.

Of course, you must keep in mind that not all asthma is treated the same. A holistic practitioner treats the patient, not the disease, meaning that treatment is tailored to each individual's unique physiology and needs. Nonetheless, acupuncture and herbs have an excellent track record with asthma. They can also be helpful with bronchitis (acute and chronic) as well as other respiratory conditions. If you have asthma and would like to discuss your case, or if you have other health concerns and would like to know if holistic medicine might be of benefit, you are welcome to call me at 858/673-1397 for a free phone consultation.

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Rancho Bernardo Sun/ Diamond Gateway Signature
November 2001