What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, often due to an infection. It can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia symptoms range from mild to severe and can include coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

The condition encompasses various forms, such as viral pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and lobar pneumonia. It's critical for effective treatment that the type and severity of pneumonia are accurately diagnosed.

TCM Perspective on Pneumonia

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pneumonia not just as a lung infection but as an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and other fundamental substances in the body. TCM practitioners often view pneumonia as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold invading the body and disrupting the normal functioning of the Lungs.

The diagnosis and treatment in TCM depend on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, such as Lung Heat or Phlegm Dampness, and treating it with a combination of herbs, acupuncture, and other holistic methods.

Causes of Pneumonia According to TCM

In TCM, pneumonia's root causes are often linked to the invasion of external pathogens and internal imbalances. For example, the invasion of Wind-Cold can lead to Lung Qi Stagnation, manifesting as cough and Phlegm.

Another common TCM pattern seen in pneumonia cases is Phlegm Heat, where Heat in the Lungs produces thick Phlegm and leads to inflammation. TCM looks at the individual's overall constitution and symptoms to determine the underlying cause and tailor the treatment accordingly.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Pneumonia

TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas for treating pneumonia, each suited to different underlying patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with its key herb Kudzu Roots, are used for Damp-Heat conditions.

For cases with an underlying Deficiency, Yu Ping Feng San, which includes Milkvetch Roots, is often prescribed to tonify Qi. In situations where Heat and Phlegm are predominant, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with ingredients like Arisaema With Bile, is selected to clear Heat and transform Phlegm. The choice of herbs is highly individualized, taking into account the patient’s unique presentation of symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pneumonia, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Liang Ge San Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao)

Acupoints for Pneumonia

Acupuncture, another key aspect of TCM, involves stimulating specific points to restore balance and health. For pneumonia, points like Feishu BL-13 are commonly used. Located near the spine, these points are believed to directly influence lung health, helping to tonify Lung Qi, nourish Lung Yin, clear Lung Heat, and expel pathogenic factors like Wind. The selection of acupoints is based on the patient's specific TCM diagnosis and is often used in conjunction with herbal treatment for a more holistic approach.

See more details below about Feishu BL-13, an acupoint used to address pneumonia.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

TCM Herbs for Pneumonia

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pneumonia, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough

"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) Yin Qiao San | Liang Ge San
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) Yin Qiao San
Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) Not applicable
Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao) Not applicable
Perennial Buckwheat Roots (Jin Qiao Mai) Not applicable
Isatis Leaf (Da Qing Ye) Not applicable
Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) Not applicable

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