Bronchitis is a disease of the lungs that is triggered by smoke, dust, and other industrial pollutants. If left untreated, bronchitis can lead to lung tissue problem that can never be mended. Asthma can be due to the body’s sensitivity to common allergens such as dust, mold, pollen, and cigarette smoke. Asthma is usually connected to bronchitis. This is because an asthmatic person has a very high likelihood of developing bronchitis. During an asthma attack, the muscle walls of the respiratory tract going to the lungs suddenly constrict resulting in a sudden loss of oxygen causing the person to laboriously struggle to breathe.
Based on the viewpoint of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, the life energy of the body known as qi which normalizes the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of a person flows throughout the body on qi vessels known as meridians. The flow of qi can be severely disrupted by elemental, emotional, and environmental factors that usually result in the development of illnesses. TCM considers bronchitis as a pathogenic infiltration of cold or hot wind into the body. Western medicine sees bronchitis in the same way as TCM, which is an infection albeit caused by a virus or bacteria. Acupuncturists take into account a patient’s specific condition including his/her emotional and physical condition. Acupuncture treatments are customized to activate certain acupuncture points via the insertion of fine stainless steel needles into these points. The needles help clear the blockages in the circulation of qi, enabling the body to go back to its normal and robust state of health.
Oftentimes, Chinese herbs are used alongside acupuncture to resolve the symptoms of bronchitis including cough, headaches, colds, chills, perspiration and stomach pains. Studies done a few years back have shown that patients with bronchitis had shorter durations of bronchitis signs and symptoms after using Chinese herbs. Herbs such as Chinese Paris Rhizome, frankincense, calculus bovis, and myrrh are used to remove toxins and heat, lessen swelling and stimulate the generation of new tissue.
The Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine published a study that showed patients who had regular acupuncture sessions had a significant decrease in the use of drugs, especially steroids that relieved bronchitis symptoms. The long term use of these medications can lead to liver damage. Acupuncture treatment can help a person be less prone to bronchial infections. It also can bring relief to some of the symptoms of bronchitis by boosting the immune system and clearing out internal blockages in a safe and effective way.
Emily Farish is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Emily Farish Acupuncture in Spokane, WA.