Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs becomes inflamed. It can be acute--usually occurring for a few days or weeks after a cold or flu--or chronic, lasting more than 3 months.
Symptoms of bronchitis include:
Persistent cough, often with mucus
Wheezing
Low grade fever and chills
Tightness in chest
Blocked nose or sinuses
Breathlessness
Headaches
Sore throat
Chronic bronchitis is often seen in smokers, but both acute and chronic bronchitis can occur in anyone and can be extremely uncomfortable.
With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, these symptoms can be alleviated and the inflammation in the lungs reduced for a faster, natural recovery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Bronchitis
Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation, helping move blood through the tissues of the lungs and reducing inflammation. This reduced inflammation opens the bronchial tubes to clear mucus more effectively, emptying the lungs of excess fluid and allowing them to heal.
Research has determined that acupuncture also stimulates production of immunoglobulin, antibodies produced by the immune system to fight off antigens (viruses, bacteria, toxins, and foreign objects). Improved immune system
In studies, acupuncture had a 90% total effective rate at treating chronic bronchitis. Methoxyphenamine, an amphetamine-derived medication, had an 80% effective rate.
Though they have similar success rates, use of methoxyphenamine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and stomach cramps; acupuncture patients experience no ill effects from treatment.
Chinese herbal medicine can also be implemented to clear the lungs. Many Chinese herbs have anti-inflammatory properties to help open the lungs and clear cough. Since every individual experiences symptoms differently, consult with a licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner for the best results from a custom herbal prescription.
If you or a loved one are suffering from acute or chronic bronchitis, consider acupuncture and herbal medicine for the most natural healing experience! Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your initial consultation today.
Sources:
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Found Effective for Bronchitis Relief." (April 6, 2017). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1730-acupuncture-found-effective-for-bronchitis-relief
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. "Bronchitis and Chest Congestion: A Chinese Medicine Diagnosis." (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/27/bronchitis-and-chest-congestion-chinese-medicine-diagnosis
McIntosh, J. "Symptoms and treatment of Bronchitis." (November 28, 2017). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php