What can Oriental Medicine do to treat asthma?

Oriental medicine has been shown to be effective at treating asthma because it can help boost a patient’s immune system, decreasing their response to allergens. 

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         For instance, acupuncture for asthma can help reduce asthmatic symptoms and improve quality of life. Acupuncture is when needles are pricked into the skin to help fight against physical or emotional conditions (Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021). This treatment is known to reduce the resistance of the respiratory system, causing the airways to become more open (Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021). It also has therapeutic benefits, such as calming the muscles, reducing reactive bronchial tubes, and reducing inflammation (Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021). 

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        Acupressure is another TCM/OM approach used to treat asthma. It is when pressure is applied to different acupuncture points of the body to encourage the flow of energy in several meridians (University of Michigan, 2018). The free flow of energy is essential for those who wish to maintain good health, as it helps the body keep balance (University of Michigan, 2018). In addition, it helps simulate different body systems and results in better health outcomes such as better sleep, relaxed muscles, and less emotional stress. Furthermore, it is beneficial for treating asthma because putting pressure on specific points of the body, such as the chest, has been shown to decrease the frequency of asthma attacks (Falcon, 2020). 

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        Traditional Chinese herbs are also used to expand the patient’s airways, reduce phlegm production, moisturize, and make the lungs less dry (Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021). TCM herbs have been clinically tested for years to determine their effectiveness and safeness, which have revealed positive results in treating asthma. A study on anti-asthma herbal medicine showed that participants that used the treatment had significantly higher lung function post-intervention (Li, 2007), which suggests that TCM herbs are beneficial for preventing airway irritation and can be safely used for long-term treatment. 

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        Moxibustion is another TCM/OM modality in which practitioners burn mugwort herb near the patient’s skin to prevent or cure disease (Health CMi, 2020). It is known to be effective in relieving pain and relaxing the patients, which is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Previous studies have shown that participants who used acupuncture, cupping, herbs, and moxibustion combined have more significant health outcomes for asthma (Health CMi, 2020). 

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        Cupping is when suction cups are placed on the body for medical benefits. This treatment is also commonly used to alleviate asthmatic symptoms (Health CMi, 2020). This TCM/OM modality can clear congestion, bring more oxygen-rich blood to the respiratory system, and reduce inflammation (Anderson, 2018) because it removes heat in the lungs, which helps remove the build-up of phlegm, fluid, and congestion (Guo et al., 2021). 

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        Last but not least, lifestyle changes can significantly affect asthma symptoms. For instance, great ways to prevent asthma are reducing exposure to dust, keeping windows open, avoiding smoking, adopting better sleeping habits, managing stress, exercising, and adopting healthier diets (Allergy & Asthma Network), 2022). For instance, exercising can help clear inflammation in the airways, preventing severe asthma attacks. However, all of these approaches are effective in improving Lung function, which in turn would help their body fight against asthma symptoms with ease.