Allergies & Respiratory Conditions
Addressing conditions that affect your lungs and breathing is important for your overall wellbeing. Having reduced lung capacity or experiencing obstructions to your breathing can impact your quality of life and reduce your capacity to perform daily activities. Excess mucus production, overreactive smooth muscles in the bronchial tubes, shortness of breath, and dizziness are all symptoms of respiratory conditions.
How acupuncture can help
Acupuncture is well suited to tackling both allergy and respiratory symptoms, as well as reducing the frequency that medication is needed to treat both. Stimulating the meridians that correspond with the lungs, kidneys, stomach, and spleen strengthens the source (Yuan) Qi and the Zhong (middle) Qi, while improving the circulation of defensive Qi. This helps strengthen immunity and reduces reactivity to allergens. Likewise, acupuncture reduces inflammation that may be impeding respiration. The treatment can also relax or release the overreactive smooth muscles that cause bronchial constrictions.
Common conditions affecting the lungs
When it comes to your breathing, managing and reducing symptoms of respiratory conditions or allergies makes a big difference in your quality of life. The following are some of the most common respiratory conditions people seek out acupuncture to treat.
Allergies
Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to the presence of a foreign substance that it deems harmful. In a lot of cases, allergies develop to relatively benign substances, such as pollen, animal dander, or foods. Allergy symptoms range from minor irritations like sneezing and runny nose to the more life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies are the most common type of allergies. This is the allergic reaction to certain types of pollens that trees and flowers release into the air at certain points during the year. Also commonly called hay fever, symptoms tend to be sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Animal allergies
Animal or pet allergies are the allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells (dander), saliva, or urine. Most commonly associated with cats and dogs, it is possible to be allergic to all kinds of animals. Most will experience symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, but some may experience wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airways to narrow and swell, and may produce extra mucus in the lungs, all of which result in difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of things, such as exercise, allergies, or other environmental factors. There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment, symptoms can be managed.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs. Symptoms of the disease include difficulty breathing, coughing, mucus production, and wheezing. It is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or industrial chemicals.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, and is often accompanied by the production of thick, discoloured mucus. This condition can either be acute, resulting from a cold or other respiratory infection, or it can be chronic, which can often be due to smoking or be related to COPD.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung condition that occurs when air sacs in the lungs are damaged or stretched. This causes coughing and difficulty breathing, as well as chest pain and shortness of breath. Emphysema is one of the conditions that make up COPD and is most frequently found in long-term smokers.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus builds up in the sinuses or nasal cavity and drips down the back of your throat. In addition to the physical sensation of the mucus drip, you may also experience a sore or irritated throat, coughing, hoarseness, and the frequent urge to clear your throat. There are a variety of conditions that cause postnasal drip, such as colds or flu, bacterial or sinus infections, or allergies.
Chronic colds
Some people are more predisposed to catch every cold that goes around. Having an immunodeficiency, being under constant stress, or having a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease can leave you more predisposed to getting sick.
Influenza
Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. While influenza has many symptoms in common with colds (runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat) the main difference is that the flu comes on much faster and symptoms will be more severe. Those with preexisting health conditions like asthma or heart disease may experience complications due to the flu.
Long COVID
Long COVID or post-COVID conditions are broadly defined as symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after an acute COVID-19 infection. General symptoms include tiredness or fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and fever. Long COVID can also impact the heart, respiratory system, and digestion, as well as cause neurological symptoms, joint pain, and changes in menstrual cycles.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, clinically referred to as dyspnea, is the sensation of not being able to get enough air to breathe. It can be caused by a variety of things. Shortness of breath is most commonly associated with respiratory diseases, heart conditions, broken or injured ribs, acute anxiety and panic attacks, or anemia.
Whatever your health goals are, acupuncture can help you manage your symptoms and restore balance in your body, and your life. You’ll receive treatments that are tailored to your unique needs. Learn what to expect if it’s your first appointment.
Note: For an official diagnosis of any of the above conditions, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
