HEALTH BLOG

Acupuncture in the treatment of Asthma

Over 5.2 million people in the UK suffer with Asthma.  It is difficult to say for sure what causes asthma, due to the many factors involved.  However risk factors include: family history, environmental factors (such as poor hygiene or pollutants), smoking during pregnancy (or childhood passive smoking), diet and post viral infection.

From acupuncturist perspective asthma is due to an in balance in the Meridian system, which eventually affects the functioning of the lung and kidney Meridian's.

When treating asthma three groups can be made.

• Childhood asthma -this is asthma that started in early childhood, and is often accompanied with eczema.  This is predominately due to a strong congenital weakness within the kidney Meridian, often making it the most difficult type of asthma to treat.
• Childhood asthma after repeated chest infections -this results in the retention of pathogens in the Lung's, which disrupts the lungs energy flow.  This predisposes the child to further respiratory invasions creating a vicious cycle.  This type of asthma is easier to treat, as the problem is not as deeply rooted.
• Asthma in later life -this type of asthma can form from a number of things which ultimately diminishes the function of the kidney and lung meridians.  Key factors include repeated respiratory infections, irregular diet, emotional strain and overwork.  Amount of treatment varies, depending on type of imbalance, and its duration.

The focus of acupuncture is to improve the function of the lungs and to boost the immune system and its ability to deal with pollutants and allergens.