Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis
A TCM Approach to Respiratory Wellness
Asthma and allergic rhinitis remain lasting breathing ailments which greatly impair respiration and living standards. Asthma is characterized by instances of wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath is also a symptom because of inflammation in airways. Allergic rhinitis is frequently due to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander and allergic rhinitis is a precipitant of an asthma attack.
While Western medicine is greatly dependent upon the frequent utilization of inhalers, antihistamines, along with corticosteroids, TCM provides a far more long-term approach in effectively managing these conditions. TCM aims to balance the entire body and build up the immune system further. TCM will also address the underlying root cause of respiratory dysfunction in order to provide long-term relief.
TCM views asthma along with rhinitis together as being a disturbance within the particular inner harmony of the particular Qi, Blood, plus organ functions, mainly the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney.
1.Lung Qi Deficiency (肺气虚) – Ineffective Defense Mechanism
Lung is responsible for respiration and Qi. A weak Lung Qi will fail to shield the body against external invasion and allergens.
Symptoms: Difficulty in breathing, Persistent coughing, Persistent fatigue and frequent colds, Pale complexion
2. Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾气虚) – Damp and Phlegm Accumulation
The Spleen converts food into Qi and Blood. Its deficiency can lead to internal dampness and phlegm accumulation, obstructing the lungs.
Symptoms are: Nasal congestion and mucus, Poor digestion, Heaviness of the limbs, Dull head, Dull head
3. Kidney Deficiency (肾虚) – Asthma of Long Duration
The Kidneys grasp Qi and assist in breathing function. A Kidney deficiency leads to long-lasting asthma and inability to maintain breathing.
Symptoms are: Wheezing on exertion, Night sweats, Cold hands and feet, Weak knees and lower back
TCM Measures to Regulate Asthma and Rhinitis
TCM manages internal weakness, expulsion of phlegm, and restoration of organ function. TCM modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina therapy, and regulation of lifestyle to control asthma and rhinitis in the long term and relieve symptoms.
1. Acupuncture – Strengthening Lungs and Airway Expansion
Acupuncture relaxes narrowed airways, strengthens immunity power, and reduce hypersensitivity to allergens.
Benefits: Enhances respiratory function and oxygenation
✔ Suppresses immune overreaction to allergens
✔ Suppresses airway inflammation
✔ Relieves anxiousness and improves sleep
Key Acupoints
- LU9 (Taiyuan) – Tonifies Lung Qi and nourishes Yin
- ST36 (Zusanli) – Stimulates immunity and digestive system
- BL13 (Feishu) – Back Shu point of Lung energy
- KI27 (Shufu) – Opens up chest and allows breathing
2. Herbal Medicine – Clear the Phlegm, Nourish Qi
TCM herbs clear lungs, expel mucus, and invigorate Qi.
Classic Formulas
- Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散) – Shields Wei Qi (defensive energy) and blocks allergic stimulation
- Er Chen Tang (二陈汤) – Calms damp-phlegm and opens chest
- Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (麻杏石甘汤) – Dispels Lung heat and calms wheezing
Powerful Herbs used:
- Huang Qi (黄芪, Astragalus) – Stimulates immunity and prevents respiratory attacks
- Bai Zhu (白术) – Strengthens the Spleen and expels dampness
- Xing Ren (杏仁, Apricot Seed) – Reduce coughing and facilitates breathing
- Gan Cao (甘草, Licorice Root) – Harmonizes other herbs and calms spasms
3. Tuina Massage & Breathing Exercises
Tuina therapy facilitates movement of lung Qi and release of nasal obstruction. The integration of breathing exercises like Qigong enhances lung capacity.
Benefits:
✔ Noses and chest cleared
✔ Relieves Congestion and wheezing
✔ Relives chronic sinus pressure
✔ Lung expansion and flexibility improved
4. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
TCM recommends some diets and habits to reduce sensitivity to allergens and promote lung resistance.
✔ Consume Lung-nourishing foods – White fungus, almonds, honey, and pears
✔ Refrain from cold, raw, and dairy – These food produces phlegm and dampness
✔ Keep warm and drink lots of water – Especially during periods of change
✔ Practice Tai Chi and Qigong – Stimulation of lung function and immune resistance
✔ Keep air indoors fresh – Steer clear of artificial perfumes and use purifiers
Lung Qi Deficiency (肺气虚) – Ineffective Defense Mechanism
Lung is responsible for respiration and Qi. A weak Lung Qi will fail to shield the body against external invasion and allergens.
Symptoms:
When Should You Expect Results?
Recovery depends on frequency of therapies, on patients' constitution, and condition. Asthma and rhinitis responds best with TCM, usually in a few weeks.
Established and chronic ones require a couple of months of integrative management to achieve long-term change.
Our Personalized TCM Respiratory Wellness Package Includes:
Reclaim your respiratory well-being with efficient Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments tailored to you.