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COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chinese Medicine

As with all health conditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) addresses COPD according to the underlying imbalances that cause a decrease in breathing capacity. It is widely believed that COPD cannot be reversed once the condition has developed in to a chronic condition. Most healing strategies work to manage COPD by lessening the associated symptoms and improving breathing. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

Related Articles

• Lung Health and Chinese Medicine
• Chinese Medicine for Smoking Cessation

 

Acupressure Points for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Learn How to Effectively Apply Acupressure Linked Here!

• Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Activate Acupressure Point Lung 1
• Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
• Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 9
• Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
• Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6

 

Primary Patterns of Imbalance Seen in COPD According to Chinese Medicine

Lung Qi Deficiency

With COPD Lung Qi Deficiency is presumed to be part of the pattern of imbalance. This condition is marked by trouble exhaling, sweating without exertion, and/or general fatigue.

Kidney Yin Deficiency

The Kidney energetic organ system houses the Yin and Kidney Yin is the basis of Yin Deficiency found anywhere in the body. This condition is marked by night sweats, dryness, and trouble inhaling. One can exacerbate Dryness of the Lungs and Lung Yin Deficiency by smoking, but Yin Deficiency can develop in those that do not smoke.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Spleen Qi Deficiency can lead to Dampness in the body. When the lung tissue becomes dry, it compensates by making mucous. If one has a per-disposition to Spleen Qi Deficiency the phlegm in the Lungs can become excessive.

Progression of COPD According to Chinese Medicine

While no two patients will develop a disease or imbalance in exactly the same way, this is a general progression of COPD.

Stage 1 of COPD in Chinese Medicine

The lungs are sensitive to smoke and pollution and easily become dry when exposed to fine particles in the air; this is referred to as Lung Yin Deficiency. With Lung Yin Deficiency, a dry cough develops and symptoms such as hoarseness and a dry scratchy throat appear from time to time. Another possible initial stage cause of COPD results from chronic inflammation caused by asthma; this results in a remodeling of the airways with a narrowing and hardening of the bronchial tissue.

Stage 2 of COPD in Chinese Medicine

Left untreated, the Yin of the Lungs becomes more depleted and the Lung Yin Vacuity signs intensify; the dry cough begins to produce sticky sputum that becomes tinged with blood and insomnia likely develops. Yin correlates with substance and tissue in the body, so as Lung Yin Deficiency worsens the air sacs begin to lose their elastic quality and the walls between the air sacks are destroyed as lung spasms and inflammation develop. During this stage, breathing becomes noticeably more labored.

Stage 3 of COPD in Chinese Medicine

As Lung Yin Deficiency progresses and heat builds in the lungs, the lungs begin to compensate by producing Phlegm-Fluids. The phlegm is often sticky with color and begins to obstruct the free flow of Qi in the Lungs. Because the phlegm is condensing due to the Heat in the Lungs, medicines and herbs that are extremely drying will cause further complications and should be avoided.

Stage 4 of COPD in Chinese Medicine

With the phlegm obstructing the lungs, Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency develops, breathing becomes labored, and there is extreme fatigue. The Lungs control the opening and closing of pores, so spontaneous perspiration is common with Lung Qi Deficiency.

 

Lifestyle Habits for COPD Management

Diet for COPD

Chinese medicine food therapy. When phlegm is presenting with COPD, foods that produce phlegm are avoided in this condition including fried foods, dairy, juices, raw foods, iced drinks and cold foods. If dryness is presenting, foods that moisten the lungs such as soy products, barley, peanuts, rice milk, spinach, and pear can be consumed. Moderate amounts of spicy foods will benefit the Lungs. If there is a constant craving for spicy-hot foods, this reflects an imbalance in the Lung Organ System. Because the Metal Element can be damaged by excessively pungent foods, it is best to curb the over consumption of hot spices, especially when dryness is presenting.

Exercise for COPD

Regular light aerobic exercise such as brisk walking for 30-60 minutes per day is beneficial with COPD. Because aerobic exercise requires good lung function, it may take time to build up to a full workout. Tai Qi and Qi Gong exercises can also be beneficial for improved breathing and feature breathing techniques and deep breathing training.

Smoking and COPD

COPD is often linked to a history of smoking or exposure to pollution, but not always. It goes without saying that it is imperative to stop smoking in order to reverse this condition if you are a smoker. Chinese medicine offers very effective strategies in smoking cessation through auricular (ear) acupuncture and smelling salts.

 

References

Wang J, Li J. Acupuncture therapy for functional effects and quality of life in COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int 2018;2018:3026726. 

Suzuki M, Muro S, Fukui M, et al. Effects of acupuncture on nutritional state of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): re-analysis of COPD acupuncture trial, a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med 2018;18:287. 

Suzuki M, Namura K, Ohno Y, et al. The effect of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:1097–105.