With Spring in the air, Asthmatics and people with upper respiratory conditions including sinusitis or allergies find this season particularly challenging.
Asthma is a common condition affecting people worldwide, including many Australians. Particularly in Sydney, we have a higher propensity to dust, dust mite and therefore allergy, which can be a trigger for Asthmatics.
Mild to moderate and chronic Asthma can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. In an acute Asthma attack, breathing can become very difficult, often with the person feeling like they cannot breathe at all and can be distressing for the person struggling to breathe. It’s important to note Asthma medication should always be used in these acute, first aid situations.
While Western medicine typically addresses asthma with medications like inhalers, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, offers a holistic approach to managing asthma in the LONG TERM.
How Chinese Medicine Views the Lung
In Chinese Medicine, the lungs are known as the “tender organ” because they are closely connected to the environment and susceptible to external pathogens like wind, cold, and heat. The lungs are responsible for circulating Qi and governing respiration. Healthy Lung Qi ensures proper breathing, efficient immune response, and overall health and wellbeing throughout the body.
From a TCM perspective, when the Lung Qi is weak or blocked, it can lead to respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. Factors like cold weather, emotional stress, and poor diet can negatively affect the lungs. Asthma, in particular, is viewed as a combination of deficient Lung Qi. Common Symptoms of Lung Qi Deficiency
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty inhaling deeply
- Weak, soft, raspy voice.
- Frequent colds or respiratory infections
- Fatigue, especially after exertion
How Acupuncture Can Help Asthma
Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used therapies in TCM and is widely used for its ability to promote healing and repair within the body. By inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points, acupuncture helps stimulate these repair processes and restore balance in the affected organ systems, such as the lungs. For asthma, acupuncture focuses on strengthening Lung Qi, reducing inflammation, and relieving constriction of the airways.
Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy and Lung Health
In TCM, food is viewed as medicine, and dietary therapy plays a vital role in supporting lung health and preventing or managing conditions like asthma. Foods that nourish Lung Qi are typically moistening and cooling, helping to soothe the lungs and reduce inflammation.
Foods to Strengthen Lung Qi
- White foods: In TCM, foods that are white in color are believed to support Lung Qi. Examples include pears, radishes, white beans, and almonds. These foods are thought to moisten the lungs and ease respiratory symptoms.
- Pears: Pears are particularly beneficial for Lung Qi. They have moistening properties and can help soothe a dry or irritated throat and lungs. Pears are often used in TCM to treat coughs and dry respiratory conditions.
- Honey: Honey is a soothing food that helps relieve coughs and strengthen Lung Qi. It can be consumed with warm water or in teas to provide relief from dryness and cough.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, bok choy, and cabbage are nourishing to the lungs. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake are often used in Chinese dietary therapy to strengthen the immune system and support respiratory function. They also help reduce inflammation and nourish Lung Qi.
- Daikon radish: This cooling root vegetable is often used in TCM to clear heat and phlegm from the lungs. It can be consumed raw or cooked and is commonly included in soups.
- Lotus root: Lotus root is another TCM food that supports Lung Qi. It has a cooling, moistening effect and is commonly used in soups and stir-fries to promote lung health.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can weaken Lung Qi or contribute to excess phlegm and inflammation, worsening asthma symptoms. It’s recommended to avoid:
- Dairy products: Dairy can promote phlegm production, which may obstruct the airways.
- Fried and greasy foods: These can cause internal heat and exacerbate respiratory issues.
- Cold and raw foods: Excessive cold foods can inhibit Lung Qi and make it more difficult to expel phlegm.
Acupuncture and Diet can be part of a broader, integrated Asthma Management Plan
Acupuncture and Chinese dietary therapy can serve as complementary approaches to conventional asthma treatments. By strengthening Lung Qi, reducing inflammation, and improving respiratory function, acupuncture may help manage asthma symptoms and improve overall lung health. Additionally, incorporating Lung Qi-nourishing foods into the diet can further support respiratory well-being.
For anyone considering acupuncture as part of an asthma management plan, it’s important to consult with both a qualified acupuncturist and your healthcare provider to ensure a holistic and individualised treatment approach. By combining the ancient wisdom of TCM with modern medical treatments, individuals with asthma may experience better symptom management and an enhanced quality of life.
References:
- Acupuncture for asthma: A systematic review
- Acupuncture and immune regulation in asthma
- Dietary therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Lung Qi
Katika has experience in working with asthmatics and clients suffering sinusitis and allergies. She is a qualified acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Herbalist, having practiced since 2003. Katika is available at NBIP on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
