Asthma & Hayfever

Asthma and Hayfever: A Complementary Approach to Management.

(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).​

Asthma and hayfever are two common respiratory conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Western medicine treats these conditions with medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antihistamines. However, Chinese medicine offers a complementary approach to manage these conditions, without necessarily replacing the Western treatment.

In Western medicine, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Hayfever, on the other hand, is an allergic reaction to pollen and other allergens, resulting in symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Western medicine treats these conditions with medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

In Chinese medicine, asthma and hayfever are considered as a result of an imbalance in the body’s Qi (vital energy) and the invasion of external pathogens such as wind, cold, and heat. The treatment approach in Chinese medicine focuses on restoring balance and addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Here are five points of view in Chinese medicine that explain the pathogenesis and management of asthma and hayfever:

According to the Zang Fu theory of Chinese Medicine, the lungs are responsible for the inhalation of Qi (life force energy) and the expulsion of waste materials, while the kidneys are responsible for the regulation of Qi in the lower part of the body. Asthma is believed to be caused by a dysfunction in these organs, particularly the lungs and kidneys. In Chinese Medicine, asthma is classified as a disorder of the lungs, which are considered the uppermost organ in the body and are vulnerable to external pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, and dampness. The kidneys, on the other hand, are responsible for the production of Qi and blood, and when they are weak, they can fail to nourish the lungs properly. As a result, the lungs become vulnerable to external pathogenic factors and are unable to expel waste materials effectively, leading to symptoms of asthma.

Five Elements: In the Five Elements theory, asthma and hayfever are associated with imbalances in the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. The Lung meridian is responsible for the respiratory system, and the Large Intestine meridian is responsible for eliminating waste products. Treatment aims to restore the balance of Qi and strengthen the respiratory system.

Channel Therapy: In channel therapy, asthma and hayfever are considered a result of blockages in the Lung and Spleen channels. Treatment involves the use of acupuncture and herbs to unblock the channels and restore the flow of Qi.

Qi and Blood: In Chinese medicine, asthma and hayfever are believed to be caused by a deficiency of Qi and Blood. Treatment aims to tonify Qi and Blood using herbs and acupuncture.

Shan Han Lun: Asthma and hayfever are classified as external diseases caused by external pathogens such as wind, cold, and heat. Treatment involves the use of herbs and acupuncture to expel the pathogens and strengthen the body’s resistance.

Wen Bing or Latent Pathogen: Asthma and hayfever are believed to be caused by latent pathogenic factors such as heat, cold, and phlegm. Treatment aims to expel the pathogen and restore the balance of Qi and Blood. once the Latent pathogen is released, Chinese Organ theory is used to re-establish the Lung decending function and the Kidney’s “grasping” function.

It is important to note that Chinese medicine does not offer a cure for asthma and hayfever. However, it can be used as a complementary approach to manage the symptoms and improve the overall well-being of the individual. Acupuncture and herbs can be used to strengthen the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and improve the body’s immune response.

In conclusion, asthma and hayfever can be managed using a complementary approach that combines Western and Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach that focuses on restoring balance and addressing the underlying causes of the condition. It is important to consult a qualified practitioner of both Western and Chinese medicine before embarking on any treatment approach.

​

References:

McCarney, R. W., Brinkhaus, B., Lasserson, T. J., & Linde, K. (2004). Acupuncture for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD000008. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd000008.pub2

Wang, Y., & Dong, Y. (2019). Chinese Herbal Medicine for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7283641

Yang, Y., Que, Q., Ye, X., Zheng, G. H., Verpoorte, R., & Chen, S. L. (2014). TCM differential treatment of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chinese Medicine, 9(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-9-7

Chen, J., Chen, X., Yang, J., Zheng, X., & Chen, D. (2021). Chinese Herbal Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5541879

Regenerate response

Li, Y., Liang, F. R., & Yu, S. G. (2015). Evidence-based Chinese medicine for asthma management. Journal of asthma and allergy, 8, 39-50.

Zhang, Y., Li, X. M., & Yao, H. W. (2016). Research progress on treatment of allergic rhinitis with acupuncture and moxibust

Xiong, W., Zhou, Q., & Zhang, W. (2016). The clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of asthma. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(5), 656-659.

Chen, K., Lu, X., & Chen, X. (2015). A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of heat-clearing and detoxicating drugs in the treatment of asthma. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(5), 551-556.