Understanding Asthma: A Holistic Perspective
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Various factors can trigger asthma episodes, including stress, infections, pollutants, and allergens. When exposed to these triggers, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, restricting airflow to the lungs and causing breathing difficulties.
While conventional treatments often involve inhalers and medications to manage symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides an alternative approach by addressing the underlying patterns of imbalance contributing to asthma.
Chinese Medicine’s Approach to Asthma
In TCM, the treatment of asthma focuses on identifying and addressing specific diagnostic patterns unique to each individual. Rather than treating asthma as a single condition, practitioners determine imbalances within the body and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Common Treatments in TCM
Commonly used points: KD3 Taxi , LU9 Taiyuan, ST36 Zusanli, ST40 Fenglong
Commonly used formula: Bai He Gu Jin Wan, Bu Fei Er Jiao Wan, Er Chen Wan, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, Sha Shen Mai Dong Wan, Xiao Qing Long Wan, Ding Chuan Wan, Gui Zhi Tang Wan.
Research and Evidence
Emerging research supports the potential benefits of acupuncture and herbal therapy for asthma:
- Acupuncture may improve peak expiratory flow (PEF) or PEF variability in children, though evidence quality is low (Liu, 2015).
- Acupoint herbal patches were found superior to sham treatments for improving FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) and asthma symptoms, though evidence quality is low (Lee, 2016).
- Acupuncture demonstrated improvements in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, IL (interleukin), and IgE levels (moderate-quality evidence), but not in ECP (eosinophilic cationic protein) (Su, 2016).
By addressing both the symptoms and root causes, TCM offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to managing asthma and promoting respiratory health.
Research
Acupuncture may improve peak expiratory flow or peak expiratory flow variability in children; low quality evidence (Liu 2015 – SR of 7 RCTs)(1)
Acupoint herbal patches superior to sham in improving FEV1 and asthma symptoms; low quality evidence (Lee 2016 – SR & MA of 16 RCTs)(2)
Acupuncture improved FEV1, FEV1/FVC, IL and IgE (moderate quality evidence), but not ECP (Su 2016 – SR & MA of 8 RCTs)(3)
Research of Asthma in Paediatric
Liu 2015 [Childhood asthma] (SR of 7 RCTs)(4): Acupuncture may improve peak expiratory flow or peak expiratory flow variability; weak positive evidence
Lee 2016 [Acupoint herbal patches] (SR & MA of 16 RCTs)(5): Superior to sham in improving FEV1 and asthma symptoms; weak positive evidence
Su 2016 [Acupoint application in adults] (SR & MA of 8 RCTs)(6): Acupuncture improved FEV1, FEV1/FVC, IL and IgE (moderate quality evidence) but not ECP
References
1. Liu CF, Chien LW. Efficacy of acupuncture in children with asthma: a systematic review. Ital J Pediatr. 2015;41:48.
2. Lee SH, Chang GT, Zhang X, Lee H. Acupoint Herbal Patching for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jan;95(2):e2439.
3. Su L, Meng L, Chen R, Wu W, Peng B, Man L. Acupoint Application for Asthma Therapy in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(1):16-21.
4. Liu CF, Chien LW. Efficacy of acupuncture in children with asthma: a systematic review. Ital J Pediatr. 2015;41:48.
5. Lee SH, Chang GT, Zhang X, Lee H. Acupoint Herbal Patching for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jan;95(2):e2439.
6. Su L, Meng L, Chen R, Wu W, Peng B, Man L. Acupoint Application for Asthma Therapy in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(1):16-21.