Asthma
Asthma and Chinese Medicine
Self-care is often an adjunctive therapy to conventional asthma treatments as should not be a replacement; it typically requires a minimum of 6 months or longer to address asthma effectively using natural medicine during which time you do not want to discard your inhaler or other critical medications. Many symptoms begin to clear within a few weeks for most, although full resolution will take much longer. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Acupressure Points for Asthma Self-care
Find Acupressure Directions Linked Here!
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Activate Acupressure Point Lung 1
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
Symptoms of Imbalances that Cause Asthma
In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), asthma can present with a variety of symptoms and severity that include:
- Chronic asthma
- Seasonal asthma often associated with seasonal allergies
- Acute asthma associated with stress
While a lung imbalance is indicated with all lung diseases, other organ system imbalances can contribute to the way a asthma manifests according to Chinese medical theory. Examining the associations between organ systems can help better identify disease patterns and develop effective approaches.
Lung Qi Deficiency and Asthma
Those with Lung Deficiency typically experience asthma attacks triggered by changes in weather, exposure to allergens, or viral infections. These asthma incidents often present with sneezing, stuffy nose and sinus congestion. During remission, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Low voice
Patients with Lung Qi Deficiency typically have weak immune systems and are susceptible to catching colds. An insufficiency of the Lung energetic organ function can be constitutional, or genetic, in nature and begin to present symptoms in childhood such as catching colds frequently or childhood asthma. Generalized Qi Deficiency of the whole body over a long period of time can also lead to Lung Qi Deficiency resulting in tiredness, a weak voice, and generalized Lung health deterioration.
Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency and Asthma
Asthma that presents with a great deal of phlegm commonly has a complicating factor of Spleen Qi 
Deficiency which must be addressed along with the restoration of Lung health for improved breathing. Patients with Spleen Deficiency can have asthma attacks triggered by improper dietary intake, such as greasy, cold or spicy foods. Spleen Deficiency leads to Internal Dampness in the body; symptoms of this pattern of Lung imbalance is marked by:
- Loose stools
- Swollen tongue with scalloped edges
- Fatigue
Consider our Natural Herbal Lung Plaster
Lung-Kidney Deficiency and Asthma
Those with Kidney Deficiency typically have chronic asthma attacks triggered by exhaustion and over-
exertion. Additionally, the inability to adapt well and to tolerate abrupt changes in the weather, their lifestyle, or the environment is common with this pattern of imbalance. Common symptoms include a cough with sticky sputum, frail appearance, weakness of the lower back and knees, coldness of the limbs and extremities, pale face, and edema around the ankles. Night time asthma is caused by Lung Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency.
The Lungs and Kidneys are closely related in Chinese medicine and many chronic Lung diseases are rooted in Kidney Deficiency. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys ‘grasp the breath’; conditions marked with difficulty inhaling indicate Kidney Deficiencies. Whereas, an inability to exhale indicates Lung Qi Deficiency; both are present typically.
Caution: These herbs are not meant to replace prescribed medications and inhalers used for asthma. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
Liang Y, Lenon GB, Yang AWH. Acupressure for respiratory allergic diseases: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2017 Dec;35(6):413-420. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011354. Epub 2017 Nov 7. PMID: 29113981.
Liu CF, Chien LW. Efficacy of acupuncture in children with asthma: a systematic review. Ital J Pediatr. 2015 Jul 7;41:48. doi: 10.1186/s13052-015-0155-1. PMID: 26149519; PMCID: PMC4491888.
Jiang C, Jiang L, Qin Q. Conventional Treatments plus Acupuncture for Asthma in Adults and Adolescent: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Jan 17;2019:9580670. doi: 10.1155/2019/9580670. PMID: 30792747; PMCID: PMC6354145.
Fu Y., Liu Z. H., Wang B. K., et al. Effects of acupuncture on lung function in patients with bronchial asthma. Chinese Journal of Basic Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2014;20(3):364–367.
Choi J.-Y., Jung H.-J., Kim J.-I., et al. A randomized pilot study of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy in adult asthmatic patients. The Journal of Asthma. 2010;47(7):774–780. doi: 10.3109/02770903.2010.485665.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.