Improving Your Respiratory Health with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Spring is in full bloom, and while the warmer weather and blossoming flowers are a joy for many, they can trigger uncomfortable symptoms for those with asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the Lungs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing with phlegm, chest tightness, and fatigue. Common asthma triggers include smoke, dust, perfumes, smoking, genetics, obesity, and respiratory viruses.
Unfortunately, asthma often goes undiagnosed or inadequately treated, contributing to issues like insomnia, fatigue, lowered immunity, and even memory problems. Rising pharmaceutical costs and limited access to pulmonology care only add to the challenge.
At the Tao of Wellness, we offer natural, holistic support for asthma through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—addressing not just the symptoms, but the root causes of respiratory imbalance.
How TCM Approaches Asthma
In TCM, asthma is linked to dysfunction or imbalance in several key organ systems:
Lung: The lung governs Qi (energy). Weak Lung Qi leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, and phlegm accumulation, which causes coughing and wheezing.
Spleen: Helps produce Lung Qi. Weak Spleen Qi results in improper fluid transformation, creating phlegm that invades the Lungs.
Kidney: “Grasps” the Lung Qi. Weak Kidney Qi causes breathlessness, difficulty in inhaling, and often low back pain.
Liver: Regulates smooth emotional flow. Stress or frustration can cause the Liver to “attack” the Lungs, resulting in chest tightness, cough, and breathing difficulties.
Our Natural Solutions for Respiratory Health
We offer a comprehensive, integrative treatment plan to support lung function, reduce symptoms, and promote lasting wellness:
Acupuncture calms the nervous system and reduces inflammation. It strengthens organ function, harmonizes immune response, and relaxes bronchial tubes and airways to ease breathing. Acupuncture has been clinically shown to lower IgE levels (allergens), helping prevent asthma flare-ups and extending symptom-free periods.
Key Acupuncture Points for Asthma Relief
Lung 5: Clears heat, stops coughing and wheezing, and opens the chest.
Dingchuan Point: Specifically used to “arrest wheezing”—an excellent support during acute asthma attacks.
Bodywork Therapies (Tuina, Cupping, Gua Sha) relieve tightness in the back, neck, and chest, often associated with asthma flare-ups.
Herbal Medicine and supplements with customized formulas, including herbs like Magnolia Flower, Siler root, and Astragalus, aid respiratory health.
Self-Healing Qi Gong restores and strengthens the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Liver systems.
Lifestyle Coaching and Nutritional Guidance help you build daily habits that reduce phlegm and stress and prevent future episodes.
Our clinical protocol combines these and other time-tested acupoints with modern diagnostics to provide safe, effective treatments.
Herbal and Nutritional Support
Boost your respiratory strength naturally with our Wellness Living products:
Allergy Tamer herbal remedy features Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi), an adaptogen shown to reduce allergic inflammation by inhibiting mast cell activation and histamine release. It also supports liver detoxification and immune balance. It naturally supports the healthy function and balance of histamine in resolving allergic responses.
Key Supplements for Lung and Sinus Health:
Quercetin Hista-Block, combined with bromelain and zinc, helps reduce histamine production and lowers inflammation.
Vitamin A is crucial for supporting the healthy function of mast cells, which are directly responsible for producing histamine during allergic reactions and inflammation.
Visit Tao of Wellness offices or the online Wellness Living Store to purchase these doctor-recommended formulas.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips for Stronger Lungs
Exercise:
Daily Qi Gong practice for the Metal Element (Lung/Sinus health)
Breath work, such as Meditation for the Metal Element (respiratory/immune health)
Cardiovascular activities like tai chi, cycling, or walking uphill can strengthen breathing capacity.
Healing Foods:
Pomegranates protect lung tissue.
Mustard greens, broccoli, and kale are high in Vitamin E and K, which are known to reduce coughing, wheezing, and lung cancer risks.
Walnuts and Brazil Nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium and act as potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants for lung diseases.
Emotional Hygiene:
Meditation: Try Dr. Mao’s Meditation for Stress Release, which is available for download here.
Sleep: Aim for 8–9 hours nightly to recharge Lung energy.
Social Support:
Building strong emotional connections can help ease the psychological burdens that asthma sometimes brings.
Take a Breath of Fresh Air with TCM
Whether you’re seeking a natural alternative, complementary support, or a preventive approach to respiratory health, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment with our practitioners today to breathe easier, feel stronger, and live more fully, naturally.