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 belongs to chronic airway inflammation disease. Traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate acute attacks and reduce recurrence frequency through syndrome differentiation and treatment, but it cannot replace basic treatment methods such as Western medicine inhalation hormones.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine divides asthma into attack and remission stages for syndrome differentiation and treatment. During the attack period, commonly used formulas such as Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and Xiao Qing Long Tang are used to relieve asthma, while during the relief period, formulas such as Yu Ping Feng San and Liu Jun Zi Tang are used to strengthen the body and strengthen the foundation. Modern research has confirmed that some traditional Chinese medicines such as ephedra and almonds have bronchodilating effects, but caution should be taken against nephrotoxic components such as aristolochic acid in traditional Chinese medicine.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at Dingchuan and Feishu can adjust vagus nerve tension and reduce bronchospasm. Sanfu Tie uses drugs such as mustard seed and Asarum to apply to acupoints, and prevents winter attacks through the concept of treating winter diseases in summer. Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce serum IgE level, but it has limited effect on severe acute attack.

3. Tuina cupping

Back bladder meridian cupping can improve pulmonary circulation, and pediatric asthma can be treated with spinal therapy. However, it is contraindicated for individuals with skin damage or coagulation dysfunction. Strong stimulation should not be used during acute attacks to avoid exacerbating bronchial spasms.

4. Dietotherapy Tonic Diet

During the remission period, Sichuan fritillary stewed with pear, lily and almond Congee can moisten the lungs and dissipate phlegm. Avoid eating shrimp, crab and other hair products, and use warm Tonic Diet carefully for yin deficiency constitution. Dietary therapy cannot control inflammation and is only used as a lifestyle supplement.

5. Qigong guidance

Breathing exercises such as Eight Section Brocade and Six Character Formula can enhance diaphragm strength and improve lung function. Long term persistence is necessary, and attention should be paid to avoiding cold stimulation that can induce airway contraction. Exercise should be paused during acute attacks. Asthma patients should adhere to the use of Western medicine to control inflammation, and when using traditional Chinese medicine as an adjuvant treatment, it should be carried out in a regular traditional Chinese medicine hospital. Avoid contact with allergens in daily life, record peak flow rates in a standardized manner, and keep warm in winter. When there is a crisis such as cyanosis and drowsiness in the lips during an acute attack, emergency medication must be used immediately and medical attention must be sought.