Treating Respiratory Conditions with Acupuncture

By:

Lung Disease

Respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, allergies, and chronic cough can significantly impact people’s quality of life. While conventional treatments such as oral medications and inhalers (“puffers”) are commonly used to manage the symptoms, acupuncture can offer a complimentary approach to therapy. These days, an ever-increasing number of clinicians are introducing acupuncture into their practices.

Tradition

Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years in Asia. According to the TCM principles, disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) lead to disease. By restoring the smooth flow of energy, acupuncture can treat various disorders and promote overall well-being.

Science

Acupuncture increases blood circulation, ensuring a steady flow of oxygen to organs. Additionally, it reduces immune-mediated inflammation. Finally, acupuncture relaxes the muscles in the chest wall and helps with anxiety, making it easier to breathe.

Results

Acupuncture can be helpful in treating the following conditions:

Asthma

Acupuncture can relieve asthma-related symptoms and increase the forced expiratory volume by regulating the autonomic nervous system, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, and reducing airway inflammation.

Bronchitis

By stimulating points on the chest, upper back, and arms, acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote bronchial drainage in individuals with acute and chronic bronchitis.

COPD

Acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce dyspnea and increase exercise tolerance in patients with COPD.

Chronic cough

Please see my blog post on treating chronic cough with acupuncture.

Nasal allergies

Facial acupuncture is quite effective at alleviating nasal congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure, leading to improved sinus health and respiratory function in general. Incidentally, acupuncture also improves the symptoms of other allergic conditions (eczema and urticaria) by influencing the cytokine profile.

Respiratory infections

Acupuncture can mitigate inflammation and improve immunity to fasten recovery from respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu, and even COVID-19.

Acupuncture in St. Pete

Dr. Lu is an acupuncture physician with vast experience treating respiratory conditions. Call 727-252-6060 to schedule an appointment at his downtown St. Pete clinic.

References

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Feng, J., Wang, X., Li, X., Zhao, D., & Xu, J. (2016). Acupuncture for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Medicine, 95(40), e4879. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000004879

Lee, S., & Kim, S. N. (2022). The Effect of Acupuncture on Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines in Rodent Animal Models of Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in immunology, 13, 878463. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.878463

Song, T. T., Jing, X. H., Guo, W., Han, G. X., Du, S., & Zhao, J. P. (2023). Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 43(2), 123–127. https://doi.org/10.13703/j.0255-2930.20220414-k0004

Yao, Q., Li, S., Liu, X., Qin, Z., & Liu, Z. (2016). The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Patients with Chronic Urticaria: A Systematic Review. BioMed research international, 2016, 5191729. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5191729