Acupuncture for Asthma

More than 20 million Americans, or 1 in 15 people, suffer from asthma. People with asthma experience wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and/or chest tightness in response to a number of possible triggers.

Symptoms of an asthma attack are usually controlled by a steroid inhaler; many people also take other medications to reduce the frequency of episodes. While often effective, Western medications for asthma have a number of short-term side effects as well as possible long-term health consequences, and many people are interested in other, non-drug approaches.

Acupuncture and herbs can be very helpful both in alleviating acute symptoms and preventing future asthma attacks. Acupuncture can ease breathing during an asthma attack, but more importantly, ongoing treatment addresses the causes of asthma and works to decrease the sensitivity of the airways and reduce the number of asthma attacks.

Chinese medicine diagnoses several different types and causes of asthma. “Excess” type asthma describes situations where something obstructs or constricts the flow of air in the lung. Phlegm or “heat” (think, inflammation, in this case) can clog the air passages. Or, stagnation of qi in the chest can prevent the Lung from moving and working properly. (Stress-induced asthma usually belongs to this pattern.)

“Deficient” type asthma occurs when the body’s qi is not strong enough to pull in enough air from the environment. (Exercise-induced asthma usually falls in this category.) In these cases, Lung qi always needs to be supplemented. Treatment may also focus on nourishing the Spleen, which directly supports the Lung, especially if there is an element of food allergy or digestive sensitivity. Kidney qi may also be treated. It sounds weird, but in Chinese medicine the Kidney play a role in bringing the breath into the body.  If inhalation is more difficult than exhalation, the Kidneys are usually involved.

Allergy-related asthma is also common, and often aggravated at this time of year.  This type of asthma is treated with a combination of techniques to strengthen and support the breathing, calm the allergic response, and open up air passages. Many people with allergic asthma also have eczema or other skin responses; these also respond remarkably well to Chinese medical treatment. For more information on treating allergies and eczema with acupuncture, see the postings under “respiratory” and “skin”.

Treating Asthma in Children

Asthma is becoming increasingly common in children, and many parents struggle with decisions about medication and its effect on their childrens’ health.

Acupuncture and pediatric massage can be helpful in controlling asthma symptoms and decreasing inhaler use. Children respond very well to extremely thin, tiny needles; non-insertive techniques are also available, and parents can learn massage techniques to use at home.

Dietary changes can also make a big difference for children with asthma. Chinese medicine especially suggests decreasing phlegm-producing foods such as dairy, peanut butter, fried foods, sugar, and too much raw cold food.

For more on asthma in general, see the above post!

Acupuncture for Sinus Infection

We all know the symptoms: stuffy nose, pressure and pain in the sinuses, post-nasal drip, irritated throat and coughing, clogged ears, and that foggy, heavy, can’t-taste-or-smell feeling in the head (one person described to me as having his brain sealed in a tupperware).  Sinus infections can start with a stubborn cold or allergies, and in bad cases can go on for months.  Even antibiotics often don’t help.

Acupuncture can help drain the sinuses by loosening mucus and stimulating movement in the head.  More importantly, it can strengthen the body’s ability to dissolve phlegm, fight infection, and rebuild strength. Points are chosen to relieve sinus pressure, strengthen the spleen to reduce phlegm, and boost the immune system.  As needed, treatment can also be geared toward symptoms such as sore throat, headache, cough, or chest congestion.  Taking herbs alongside acupuncture treatment can speed the process considerably.

If you are having sinus problems, it can help to avoid sugar and dairy, which tend to produce more phlegm, and drink plenty of fluids to keep secretions thinner and more able to drain.  You may also want to try using a nasal rinse, or neti pot; they are sold at many health food stores, or you can buy one at the front desk at Cambridge Health Associates.

You can also make a tea that helps the body resolve phlegm and clear the head:  Boil a large piece of fresh or dried tangerine peel (or orange peel, or clementine) in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.  Turn off heat, add 1 bag of mint tea and 1 bag green tea, and steep for 3-5 minutes.  Add  honey if desired (honey is especially helpful for a dry, scratchy throat).  It’s pretty tasty, and you can make a larger batch and reheat throughout the day.

The best way to prevent sinusitis, bronchitis, and other such nasty developments is to take good care of your immune system, and nip colds in the bud if you do get one.  For suggestions on how to do this, check out the other articles in the “respiratory” category.  You’ll find information on avoiding colds, boosting your immune system, and using herbs to strengthen your resistance, as well as recipes for herbal medicinal teas you can make at home to treat colds in the early stages.

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

Acupuncture treatment can be a great support for the process of stopping smoking. People report that it helps decrease cravings, and soothes the physical and emotional tension associated with withdrawal. Evidence also indicates that it significantly increases the chances of kicking the habit.

One study assigned 46 smokers to two groups. One group was treated at points recognized for their anti-smoking effect, while the other was given acupuncture at points assumed to have no effect for smoking cessation.

At the end of treatment, 31% of the subjects in the active treatment group had quit smoking completely, compared with none in the control group. Overall, the number of cigarettes smoked daily fell in both groups, but the reduction was larger for the active treatment group than the control group.

The study also measured tobacco by-products in the blood. In the treatment group, blood concentrations of tobacco by-products were reduced significantly after the treatment period, but no significant reductions were observed for the control group. Members of the active treatment group also reported a larger decrease in the desire to smoke, and a stronger aversion to the taste of tobacco, than those in the control group.

Effects of acupuncture on smoking cessation or reduction for motivated smokers. He D, Berg JE, Hostmark AT. Prev Med 1997 Mar;26(2):208-214.

Fenway Detox Program

The Fenway Community Health Center in Boston offers daily ear acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation or drug and alcohol detox. People are treated in a group setting, seated in chairs; the therapy is most effective when done on a daily basis. For more information: www.fenwayhealth.org.

Acupuncture for Allergies

Although many of us are happy to see signs of spring, for some it’s also the dreaded approach of pollen season.  Many people suffer from allergies in the springtime, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion, headaches, fogginess, and itchy, watery eyes. 

Allergies are basically an overactive, or misplaced, immune response:  the body reacts as though the pollen, or other allergen, is a terribly dangerous substance that must be flushed out at all costs.  For unknown reasons, the immune system releases large amounts of antibodies in response to an essentially harmless substance.  This in turn sets off a cascade of inflammation that causes all those annoying symptoms.

Western medicine offers a range of antihistamines that are often effective at decreasing the inflammatory response.  However, they can also cause side effects like drowsiness, agitation, or dry mucus membranes.  And, although they can provide some relief, these medications can’t address the underlying problem.

Which is why you might want to consider using Chinese medicine this year to deal with your allergies.

In Chinese medicine, allergies are considered a problem of the wei qi (pronounced “way chee”), or protective qi.  This is the protective energy that circulates on the surface of the body, keeping out foreign substances and pathogens.  When an allergen gets in far enough to cause a full-blown immune response, it means the outer protective layer needs to be strengthened.

Wei qi depends on the overall strength of the qi in the body; in cases of chronic allergies, there is often an underlying weakness in Spleen, Lung and/or Kidney qi.  There may also be a stagnation, excess, or imbalance of qi that weakens the protective qi from the inside. 

For example, someone who gets very congested, foggy-headed, and queasy with allergies may have an underlying Spleen deficiency.  A person with Lung deficiency, on the other hand, might have more wheezing, or may get hives, eczema, or other skin reactions.  Someone who gets red, itchy eyes and stubborn congestion may have some Liver qi stagnation that weakens the Lung qi.  Of course, in real life it is common to have a combination of these patterns.  Your acupuncture and herbal treatments will be modified to suit your specific situation.

The strategy in Chinese medicine is to strengthen the underlying systems that support the wei qi, so it can do its job of keeping irritants out.  At the same time, acupuncture can treat the acute symptoms you may be having.  People often experience immediate relief of congestion, for example, during their acupuncture treatment. 

Herbal formulas can help extend this relief between sessions, without the side effects of pharmaceutical antihistamines.  Herbs are combined to strengthen the immune system, address the allergic reaction itself, and relieve symptoms such as congestion, headache, or eye irritation.  Powdered formulas can be individualized, or a variety of standard formulas are available in pill form if that is more convenient for you.

Dietary modifications can also make a significant difference.  The following article, on self-care ideas, has a few suggestions that are good for everyone.  Depending on your pattern, other individual recommendations may also be made. 

The better symptoms are controlled, the easier it is to treat the underlying causes of the allergic response and make a lasting change in your allergies.  Especially for those with persistent, severe allergies, the most effective strategy is to begin treatment a few weeks before allergy season starts.  People are often pleased to find they can get through allergy season comfortably without taking medications, and some even experience complete remission of allergies. 

 Medical research supports the effectiveness of Chinese medicine for allergy symptoms: In a study published in Allergy, 52 people with allergic rhinitis were either treated with acupuncture and herbs, or placed in a control group that received sham acupuncture and fake herbal formulas.  Nearly 85 percent of those receiving real treatment reported a complete or significant improvement in symptoms, versus 40% of the control group.

Self-Care for Allergies

Here are some suggestions for taking care of yourself during allergy season!

1. Reduce exposure to allergens:  This is an important first step, because it is difficult to calm the body’s immune response when it is being constantly irritated.  If you don’t know what you’re allergic to, visit an allergist and find out (this is especially useful for year-round allergy sufferers, who may find it hard to isolate the cause of symptoms).  If seasonal pollen is the problem, you can protect yourself by closing windows and using air conditioning, which filters out many allergens.  Pollen counts are highest in the morning and on windy days, so plan your outdoor time accordingly. As your allergies improve with treatment, you’ll be able to get out more to enjoy the spring!
2. Eat apples, and other foods containing quercitin.  Quercitin is a naturally-occuring flavanoid that works as an antihistamine and reduces inflammation.  It is found in many foods including apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.
3. Cut back on sugar and dairy products.  Both of these foods tend to weaken the Spleen and encourage production of phlegm.  Sugar also has a direct effect on the immune system: research shows that eating one teaspoon of sugar supresses the immune system by 56 percent, and two teaspoons supress it by 84 percent.  It’s a temporary effect, but if you eat sugar regularly, it’s hard to get ahead of allergy symptoms.
4. Try local, raw honey.  A teaspoon a day can help desensitize your system to local pollens.  (This is the exception to the sugar rule!)
5. Try Chinese herbs.  Replacing your over-the-counter medications with a Chinese herbal formula may give you equally good relief without side effects.  Your acupuncturist can talk with you to determine which formula will be most helpful for you. 

Treating the Common Cold: Two Herbal Teas You Can Make At Home

Drink these teas as soon as you start to feel like you might be coming down with something. These food-grade herbs are good for helping your body push the “evil qi” right back out, preventing you from getting sick. And, they are both really tasty!

Tea for “Wind-Cold”
This type of cold usually begins with sneezing and runny nose, and possibly watery eyes. There may also be body aches, a stiff neck, and a feeling of being chilled, especially at the surface of the skin. This is a warming tea, so if you feel feverish or have a sore throat, try the next tea instead!

You’ll need:
2 slices of fresh ginger root, about 1/2 inch thick
a 2-inch piece of dried or fresh tangerine peel (orange, clementine, etc. will do as a substitute)
1-2 scallions, sliced (both white and green parts)
1 teabag of green tea
honey to taste Boil ginger root in 2-3 cups of water for 10 minutes; add tangerine peel and boil 3-5 minutes longer; add scallions and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.  Turn off the heat and add the teabag, steeping for 2-3 minutes.  Strain, and add honey to taste.You can make a batch and use it throughout the day. Also, don’t worry if you’re missing one or two ingredients – it will still be yummy and helpful.Tea for “Wind-Heat”
An attack of wind heat usually begins with a sore or dry scratchy throat. You might also notice swollen glands, congestion, or feeling feverish (you may also feel a little chilled, but if you mostly feel hot, it’s still wind-heat).

The basic recipe:
a small handful of fresh or dried mint
1 bag green tea
honey to taste

Boil mint in 2-3 cups water for 3-5 minutes; turn off heat and add the teabag, steeping for 2-3 minutes. Add honey to taste. You can also use a teabag of peppermint or other mint tea in place of the fresh mint.

For a more ambitious variation, add:
3-4 pieces of dried licorice root
3-5 dried chrysanthemum flowers

Both ingredients are available in Chinese food stores or pharmacies. Boil the licorice root for 10 minutes, then add the chrysanthemum with the mint and proceed as above.

How to Prevent Colds and Flu

Here are some self-care tips to keep you healthy during cold and flu season.

1. Wash your hands, thoroughly and frequently (you know this one already).
2. Take good care of yourself (you know this one too): get plenty of rest, eat well, drink lots of fluids, and take some time to relax.
3. Eat root vegetables. In Chinese dietary therapy, root vegetables are said to strengthen the lung — which in Chinese medicine includes the lung, nose, throat, sinuses, and skin, as well as the first line of defense against illness. Try incorporating root veggies into your diet at this time of year, whether by making a hearty vegetable stew, adding a sweet potato to your meal as a side dish, or simply including carrots and beets in a salad.
4. Keep your neck covered. Illnesses such as colds are said to enter the body via wind, usually through the back of the neck. While this differs from our usual thinking about germs, I’ve found there’s something to it. Try wearing a scarf as it gets colder, and avoid drafts, especially if you’ve been sweating or your hair is wet.
5. Keep a bottle of yin qiao or other herbal cold formula on hand. There are several Chinese herbal formulas that, when taken at the first hint of symptoms, can help ward off a cold before it really gets started. Ask me for the one most suited to your usual patterns of getting sick.
6. Try a homemade herbal remedy as soon as you start feeling like you might be catching something.  See the post on teas to make at home. 
7. Consider taking an immune-boosting herbal formula if you are someone who catches cold frequently and predictably at a certain time of year. Feel free to call and I can help you out with this.

Treating Colds, Flu, and Respiratory Illnesses with Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have a lot to offer in preventing and treating colds and flu. Historically, there is a reason for this: China suffered through many plagues that began with cold-like symptoms, and many great physicians spent their lives learning to treat these complaints and prevent them from worsening.

Chinese medicine differentiates between several types of colds and flu, with different treatments for each. For example, a cold that begins with sneezing, runny nose, and stiff neck is treated differently from one that starts with a sore throat and swollen glands. An acupuncturist can choose specific points, based on your symptoms, that “release the exterior” and “expel the evil qi” — meaning that they help the body rid itself of the invading germs before they get in deep enough to require all that sneezing, phlegm, and feverishness!  Simple herbal formulas, which you can take at home, help the body do the same thing.  It pays to keep a bottle handy, or learn how to make herbal teas yourself, to stop colds before they begin to take hold. 

There are also specific treatments for later stages, whether your colds tend to develop into sinus infections, bronchitis, a lingering cough, or a weakened immune system that is more vulnerable to the next virus.  Acupuncture and herbs can treat any of these conditions — without antibiotics or other drugs.  However, many people find that treating a cold early, with an acupuncture session and/or herbs, allows them to avoid getting to this stage at all.

The best choice of all, though:  take good care of your immune system, and avoid colds and flu in the first place!  See the post on prevention and self-treatment for more information.