What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation causes the bronchial tubes to swell and produce excess mucus, leading to narrowed airways and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis can be acute, lasting a few weeks and often resulting from viral infections, or chronic, persisting for months or years and typically associated with long-term irritation of the airways.

Common symptoms include persistent cough, often with mucus production, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own, while chronic bronchitis, often linked to smoking or prolonged exposure to irritants, requires ongoing management and can significantly impact quality of life.

How does TCM view bronchitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bronchitis through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, bronchitis is seen as a result of disharmony within the body's systems, particularly involving the Lung Channel. This holistic view considers not just the symptoms of cough and inflammation, but how they relate to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions.

Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For bronchitis, patterns might involve external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, or internal imbalances such as Lung Yin Deficiency or Phlegm-Heat accumulation. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and improve respiratory function more comprehensively than treating the symptoms in isolation.

Causes of bronchitis according to TCM

In the TCM paradigm, bronchitis is often attributed to the invasion of external pathogenic factors and internal imbalances within the body. One significant pattern associated with bronchitis is Wind-Cold invading the Lungs. This condition manifests not only in coughing and wheezing but also in symptoms such as aversion to cold, slight fever, and thin white sputum. TCM practitioners view this pattern as a result of the body's Defensive Qi failing to protect against external pathogens.

Another important pattern in TCM's understanding of bronchitis is Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs. This pattern is characterized by a productive cough with yellow, sticky sputum, chest tightness, and possible fever. TCM sees this as a more advanced stage where pathogenic factors have penetrated deeper into the body, transforming into Heat and combining with pre-existing Phlegm. These patterns reflect TCM's nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of bronchitis, emphasizing the interconnectedness of symptoms and their underlying imbalances.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bronchitis

The treatment of bronchitis in TCM involves carefully selected herbal formulas tailored to address the specific pattern of disharmony identified in each patient. For Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, a commonly recommended formula is Jing Fang Bai Du San, which includes herbs like Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) known for its ability to expel Wind and Cold. In cases of Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, practitioners might prescribe Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, featuring Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) to clear Heat and transform Phlegm.

Other formulas like Sang Ju Yin, containing Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), are used to address Wind-Heat patterns. These formulas aim to target the root imbalances causing bronchitis while also alleviating associated symptoms. It's important to note that TCM treatment is highly individualized, and the choice of formula may vary based on the patient's specific presentation and overall constitution.

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

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • External formulas for external disorders

All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Snake Gourds (Gua Lou)
Gun Tan Wan Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi)
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing)

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Er Chen Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)

All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling)
Fu Zi Tang Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Xie Bai San Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi)
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua)

All "formulas that dispel phlegm" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Bei Mu Gua Lou San Sichuan Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu)
Di Tan Tang Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong)

All "formulas for a rebellious qi" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Ding Chuan Tang Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo), Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi)

All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for bronchitis

Formula Key herbs
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang)
San Zi Yang Qin Tang White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi)

Acupoints for Bronchitis

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's approach to treating bronchitis, with specific acupoints targeted to address the underlying imbalances and promote recovery of respiratory function. A key acupoint commonly used in the treatment of bronchitis is Feishu BL-13, located on the Bladder Channel. This point is particularly valued for its multifaceted therapeutic properties in treating respiratory conditions. Feishu BL-13 is known to tonify Lung Qi and nourish Lung Yin, which can help strengthen the overall function of the Lungs.

Additionally, it has the ability to diffuse and descend Rebellious Lung Qi, which can alleviate symptoms like coughing and wheezing. The point is also effective in clearing Lung Heat and expelling Exterior Wind, addressing both internal imbalances and external pathogenic factors that contribute to bronchitis. By stimulating Feishu BL-13, practitioners aim to restore balance to the Lung Channel, improve breathing, and reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes. This approach reflects TCM's holistic strategy in addressing the complex nature of bronchitis, targeting both the symptomatic manifestations and the underlying energetic imbalances believed to cause the condition.

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

  • 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 Bronchitis

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing

"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) Xing Su San | Sang Xing Tang
Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) Zhi Sou San
Aster Roots (Zi Wan) Zhi Sou San
Loquat Leaves (Pi Pa Ye) Not applicable
Japanese Ardisia (Ai Di Cha) Not applicable

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Zhi Zi Chi Tang | Sang Xing Tang
Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen) Wei Jing Tang
Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang | Mai Men Dong Tang
Lily Bulbs (Bai He) Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) Xie Bai San
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Marshmallow Root (Yao Shu Kui) Not applicable

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Wax Gourd Seeds (Dong Gua Zi) Not applicable

"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) Sang Ju Yin | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Sang Xing Tang
Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) Sang Ju Yin

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

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) Yin Qiao San
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) Yin Qiao San

"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) Di Tan Tang
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) Er Chen Tang

"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo) Ding Chuan Tang
Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke) Jiu Xian San

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for bronchitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) Fu Zi Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) Li Zhong Wan | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang

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