Asthmaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Childhood Asthma Bronchial Asthma Chronic Asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. It is marked by recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. Triggers for asthma attacks can include allergens, respiratory infections, physical activity, cold air, and stress. Effective management of asthma involves identifying and avoiding triggers, as well as using medications to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
How does TCM view asthma?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), asthma is seen as a manifestation of underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe that imbalances in Qi, Phlegm accumulation, and Deficiencies in organ functions contribute to the development of asthma symptoms.
Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating the symptoms, TCM aims to address the root causes by identifying the specific pattern of disharmony. This holistic approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual, leading to more effective management of the condition.
Root Causes of Asthma in TCM
One common TCM pattern associated with asthma is Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, pale face, sputum, a stifling sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, discomfort when lying down, wheezing, and nausea. It often results from a combination of external factors, such as exposure to cold or damp environments, and internal imbalances that lead to the accumulation of phlegm in the lungs.
Another relevant pattern is Kidney Yang Deficiency, marked by symptoms like lower back pain, dizziness, tinnitus, weak and cold knees, lower back coldness, chills, weak legs, and a bright pale face. This pattern can develop due to chronic respiratory issues, overexertion, or aging, which weaken the kidneys' ability to grasp and descend qi effectively. Understanding these patterns helps in tailoring treatments that address the root causes of asthma in TCM.
Explore below more details about what might cause Asthma according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Phlegm
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Rebellion
- View More Causes
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Asthma
Common Symptoms: Coughing Stifling Sensation In The Chest Wheezing Dizziness Sputum Shortness Of Breath Feeling Of Heaviness Profuse White Sputum
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs | Asthma, Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Chest distension... see more | Er Chen Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm | Asthma, Coughing, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang |
| Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs | Asthma, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more | Er Chen Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Wen Dan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Asthma
TCM treatment for asthma involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient’s underlying pattern. For Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, a commonly recommended formula is Er Chen Tang. This formula includes Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), which helps dry dampness and transform phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
For Kidney Yang Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan is often used. This formula contains Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), which helps nourish yin and tonify the kidneys. The choice of formula depends on the specific pattern diagnosed, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Additional formulas for asthma include Xiao Qing Long Tang for Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, and Wu Ling San for Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing. These formulas use herbs like Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Water plantain (Ze Xie) to address specific imbalances and support respiratory health. Through careful diagnosis and tailored treatments, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing asthma and improving overall well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address asthma, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Rebellion
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause asthma, such as Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs or Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Asthma Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm |
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
| Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs |
Acupoints for Asthma
In TCM, specific acupoints are used to treat asthma by addressing the underlying disharmony. Fenglong (ST-40) on the Stomach Channel is one such point, located midway between Dubi (ST-35) and Jiexi (ST-41). It helps resolve Dampness and Phlegm, calm the Mind, and subdue Rebellious Qi.
Another important acupoint is Pohu (BL-42) on the Bladder Channel, located 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3). This point benefits the corporeal soul, tonifies Lung Qi, and subdues Rebellious Lung Qi. Shenshu (BL-23) on the Bladder Channel, found 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2), tonifies Kidney Yang and nourishes Kidney Yin. These acupoints, when used in combination, help to address the root causes of asthma in TCM.
Explore below some acupoints used to address asthma, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Kidney Channel
- Governing Vessel
Quepen ST-12
About 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the supraclavicular fossa, superior to the midpoint of the clavicle.
Fenglong ST-40
Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.
