Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. It is caused by genetic constitution and external environmental stimulation. This kind of inflammation has a fundamentally different nature from common inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Frequent wheezing symptoms, obvious shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and limited speaking activities. Can sweat profusely, cyanosis, extreme anxiety, even lethargy, and disturbance of consciousness. The condition is critical and requires emergency rescue. The main predisposing factors are bronchial obstruction, severe dehydration, and extreme exhaustion of the patient.

Onset characteristics

(1) Paroxysmal: When encountering predisposing factors, it is exacerbated.

(2) Temporal rhythm: often attacks or aggravates at night and early morning.

(3) Seasonality: It often occurs or worsens in autumn and winter.

(4) Reversibility: Anti-asthmatic drugs can usually relieve symptoms, but there may be an obvious remission period.

Understanding these characteristics is conducive to the diagnosis and differentiation of asthma.

In TCM, asthma is usually considered to be related to the Lung meridian, which is responsible for the regulation of breathing and the immune system. The Lung meridian is also closely linked to emotions, particularly grief and sadness.

According to TCM theory, asthma can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental irritants such as pollution, allergens, and cold air, as well as emotional stress, fatigue, and poor diet.

To treat asthma in TCM, a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy is often used. Acupuncture can help to open up the Lung meridian and improve the flow of Qi in the body, while herbal medicine can be used to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system. Dietary therapy involves eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports respiratory health, with a focus on foods that are warming and moistening to the lungs, such as pear, honey, and almonds.

In addition to these treatments, TCM also emphasizes the importance of self-care practices such as deep breathing exercises and gentle exercises like tai chi or qigong to help manage asthma symptoms and promote relaxation. By addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to asthma, TCM can help to alleviate symptoms and improve overall respiratory health.

Reference:

Lu Jirong, Zou Yingxue, Cheng Huanji, etc. Study on the correlation between childhood asthma attacks and respiratory tract infections. 2003

Su Huiping, Feng Queling. The clinical application of Tongfu method in the treatment of asthma attacks. "CNKI", 1995

Han Xinmin, Li Jiangquan, Ren Xianzhi. Activating blood to clear the organs is an important rule for the treatment of asthma attacks. "CNKI", 2003

Zheng Jian, Guo Yunxia, Lin Qing, Lin Ruizhen, etc. 30 cases of children with asthma (heat type) treated by the method of promoting blood circulation and dredging collaterals and western medicine. "WanFang", 2002

Cheng Jiansheng. Acupuncture at Yuji point for an acute asthma attack. "CNKI", 2001

哮喘

哮喘是一种呼吸道慢性炎症性疾病，由遗传体质加上外在环境的刺激而引致，这种炎症与普通因细菌或病毒感染引起的炎症有着根本不同的本质。