Asthma and Fall Season
Asthma and Fall Season
The Lung is associated with the metal element in Oriental Medicine. It controls Qi in all meridians, governs Qi and respiration, controls immune system (Defensive or Wei Qi), regulates water metabolism, opens to the nose, controls skin, body, and hair, houses mind and body connection. Its paired organ is the Large Intestine. Its emotion is grief, or sadness. It is related to the Fall season.
Basic respiratory problems associated with the lungs manifest in several ways, especially as we transition from the summer to fall. Lung Qi Deficiency signs includes susceptibility in catching colds; shortness of breath. Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency in the case of allergies. Lung and Kidney Qi Def in the case of sleep apnea. Phlegm in Lung as in the case of asthma.
Phlegm in Lung: Asthma
The fundamental cause of asthma is the presence of phlegm. In Oriental Medicine, the passage of water is controlled by three organs, namely Lung, Spleen and Kidney. Lung regulates the water passages in the upper jiao (burner), the Spleen transports and transforms water in the middle jiao, and Kidney dominates water metabolism in the lower jiao. Imbalance of Yin and Yang in any of these three organs may lead to stagnation of the water circulation, which then contributes to the production and storage of phlegm in the Lung. Storage of phlegm in the Lung becomes the main cause for recurrent asthma attacks.
In Oriental Medicine, there are many factors that may trigger an asthma attack. Examples include the invasion of the external pathogenic factors, diet, emotional disturbances, congenital weakness and chronic illnesses. External pathogenic factors, such as cold or heat, commonly induce asthma attacks. Lung dominates the Qi and manifests on the skin. As the environment affects the skin, the change is reflected in the Lung. As the Lung is attacked, its function to regulate water passage becomes impaired, water begins to stagnate and phlegm starts to form. Asthma attacks due to the invasion of external pathogenic factors is most likely to occur when the temperature is cold or if there is a rapid change in weather. External pathogenic factors may also include pollen, cigarette smoke, and any other allergens.
Acupuncture is great when it comes to Asthma but diet is crucial. Avoiding dairy and sugar, and eating the right whole foods will make a huge difference, especially with children.
Acupuncture and herbs can help treat asthma and other respiratory associated problems. Call Dr Peng to book your appointment.