Asthma is one of the most widespread epidemics in our Western communities. With drastic increases over the past few decades, asthma now affects approximately 300 million people worldwide.


From a Western perspective, asthma is an immune-system disorder of the respiratory system.
When the breathing passages of the lungs become narrowed, inflamed or blocked, patients can experience a difficult time breathing.

As this can be a very stressful and uncomfortable way to live, patients suffering from asthma require medical guidance to maintain healthy, comfortable lives.

Unfortunately, many conventional treatment techniques come with their own set of side-effects that can often make the situation more complicated.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?

Asthma is characterized by the narrowing of the airways, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, airway remodeling and an increase in mucus production. 

Although symptoms can vary from person to person, patients typically experience a variety of the following problems:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Chest Tightness
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Inability to Breathe

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASTHMA?

The causes of asthma can be either extrinsic or intrinsic, depending on the patient.

As the intrinsic causes include personal triggers such as emotional stress, extrinsic factors are often attributed to allergic reactions to things like pollen, animals, food or mold. 

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, the causes are often attributed to one or more of the following deficiencies within the body:

  • Lung dysfunction caused by the attack of external pathogens and excess phlegm

  • Deficiencies in the Lung, Spleen or Kidney

  • Unbalanced diets consisting of too many sweet or greasy foods

  • Alcohol

  • Smoking

  • Emotional Stress

  • Seasonal changes (most common in the Fall)

  • Qi Deficiency


It is especially common for asthmatic patients to suffer from a deficiency in defensive Qi energy. As proper circulation of blood and qi energy are essential to good health, this deficiency plays a large part in how our kidneys are able to protect and shield us from external factors.

When the internal organs become deficient, the organs in the body that interact with the lungs and mucus production are compromised.

HOW CAN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) TREAT ASTHMA?

With a long-lasting history of effective treatment, TCM uses a variety of techniques to identify and aide any imbalances within the body.  

While many patients incorporate the use of conventional inhalers in their health routines, Traditional Chinese Medicine is able to either work alongside Western Treatment, or eliminate the problem completely.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncturetreatment has had a powerful effect on patients suffering with asthma. By naturally releasing tense muscles and blockades in the chest and respiratory system, acupuncture is able to calm the body and mind by opening up the airways and reducing the stress of breathing restrictions.
 

DIET

In TCM, diet can both heal and destroy the body’s ability to function.

While the digestive system is what nourishes and supports our internal organs, incorporating the right foods to support lung health can have a large contribution to our well-being.

By working with our Nutrition Coach, you can gain a better understanding of using food as medicine and develop a way of eating that best supports your health and happiness.

HERBS

After years of scientific research on immunology and allergy, our TCM herbalist is able to offer powerful alternatives to inhaled corticosteroid treatments.

This natural alternative is successful in more than just alleviating symptoms, but can potentially eliminate the problem all together without any side-effects.
Through pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, diet and herbs, patients of Traditional Chinese Medicine are able to enjoy their lives with a true breath of fresh air.