Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Asthma

Traditional Chinese medicine can assist in the treatment of asthma, but it needs to be combined with standardized Western medicine treatment. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment mainly works by regulating the constitution and relieving symptoms.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses medicinal herbs such as ephedra, almonds, and licorice to form prescriptions, such as Xiaoqinglong Tang and Dingchuan Tang, which have the effect of promoting lung function and relieving asthma. These prescriptions need to be treated by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners based on the differentiation of cold, heat, deficiency, and excess in patients, and cannot be self medicated. Some traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, such as Gejie Dingchuan Capsule and Suhuang Zhike Capsule, can also be used to relieve cough and asthma symptoms.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at Feishu, Dingchuan and Shanzhong points can regulate autonomic nervous function and improve airway hyperresponsiveness. Clinical research shows that acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks, but it requires 10-15 consecutive treatments as a course of treatment. Moxibustion therapy is effective for patients with cold asthma by stimulating acupoints with warmth.

3. Acupoint application

Sanfu Tie uses drugs such as mustard seed and Asarum to apply to the back acupoints, exerting a warming and dispersing effect through skin absorption. This therapy is suitable for asthma patients who are prone to attacks in winter, and should be applied continuously for 3 years during the summer dog days. People with sensitive skin may experience local redness, swelling, itching, and other reactions.

4. Massage

Specific techniques such as massaging acupoints like Tian Tu and Xuan Ji can relax bronchial smooth muscle, and when combined with back massage therapy, can improve lung function. Parents can provide gentle chest and back massage for their children, but it is not advisable to do so during acute attacks. Massage should be guided by professional physicians to avoid injury caused by improper techniques.

5. Dietary regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that asthma is related to the spleen, lungs, and kidneys. It is recommended to consume nourishing ingredients such as yam, lilies, and walnuts, and avoid eating raw and cold foods, seafood, and other substances. Tonic Diet such as Sichuan fritillary stewed with pear and Luohanguo tea can moisten the lung and dissipate phlegm, but it needs to be selected according to syndrome differentiation. People with allergies should avoid foods known to be allergic. Asthma patients should adhere to basic treatments such as Western medicine inhaled corticosteroids, and traditional Chinese medicine can be used as an auxiliary method. Avoid exposure to cold air, dust and other triggering factors in daily life, and engage in moderate aerobic exercise to enhance physical fitness. During acute attacks, bronchodilators should be used immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly. It is recommended to develop individualized treatment plans under the guidance of respiratory physicians and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and regularly review lung function.