When acupuncture is used for treating asthma, it takes a holistic, or whole-body approach in order to determine what areas of the body are affected and out-of-balance and contributing to the attacks.

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. Caring for a chronic condition such as asthma can sometimes be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it can be controlled. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be powerful allies in the management of asthma, and they work well in conjunction with other types of treatment.

Western Medicine Treatment Viewpoint

Generally, the available approach of asthma treatment is to try and prevent attacks. This is usually done with regular use of anti-inflammatory medications, inhaled steroids and leukotriene inhibitors. Once an asthma attack is underway, quick-acting medications like corticosteroids may be able to relieve it.

Most of these medications can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, muscle tremors, and insomnia. However, many people have found that acupuncture treatment may help reduce asthma attacks, improve lung function, and even lower the amount of medication needed.

Acupuncture & TCM View of Asthma

In acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), asthma is known as “Xiao Chuan”, which means “wheezing” and “shortness of breath”. It is caused by a variety of factors that involve an imbalance with Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”), and an imbalance with one or more of the organ systems, generally the Lungs, Spleen or Kidney.

Asthma according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) goes beyond a simple diagnosis of “asthma”.

Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that Jenny may discover and treat.

• Invasion of Wind
• Lung weakness
• Kidney weakness
• Spleen weakness
• Liver imbalance
• Liver Heat
• Wei Qi deficiency
• Phlegm/damp in the Lungs

Since acupuncture and TCM take into account your overall well-being, Jenny may also address other issues that may be contributing to your asthma, such as exercise, diet and stress. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and pain-free approach to many conditions, and you may find that your overall health improves along with your asthma symptoms.

Schedule an appointment with Jenny today
Call (650) 206-8116
Acupuncture in San Carlos, CA
Jenny Bisset, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine</

References:
Asthma. U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia. 10/30/2006. Link
Alternative Therapy for Asthma. WebMD. 12/1/2006.
Chen, J., Pharm, D. Treatment of Asthma with Herbs and Acupuncture. Acufinder.com Acupuncture Learning & Resource Center.
Facts about Asthma. American Lung Association. 10/2006.

Acupuncture for arthritis has been proven to be an effective and safe alternative treatment. In combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it can be a powerful addition to any other type of treatment plan without the harmful side effects.

Western Medicine Treatment vs. Acupuncture Treatment:

Unlike acupuncture treatment, western treatment generally focuses on only relieving pain and preventing further joint damage. Often this is done through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, as well as through self-care and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may even be needed.

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis, on the other hand, focuses on a whole-body approach to relief.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, arthritis is caused by:

• Weakness or deficiency of the internal organs
• Constitutional imbalance
• Physical injury and/or trauma
• Changes with the quality and quantity of Qi
• Invasion from external factors such as Wind, Cold and Heat
• Unresolved emotional upset, mainly related to stress and anxiety

How Treating Allergies with Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. According to these theories, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.

It flows through pathways called meridians (see chart below), providing nourishment for every cell, tissue, muscle and organ. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms may result.

During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupoints along the meridians in order to unblock any obstruction and allow Qi to flow freely.

Your acupuncturist, Jenny Bisset may also recommend herbal remedies, massage, and stretching. Be sure to discuss any new medications with your doctor to avoid any potential interactions.

Just like any other type of treatment, using acupuncture for arthritis can be highly effective, but is not meant to be a “quick-fix”. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make while being treated that will help you experience quicker results and relief faster:

1. Exercise – will help strengthen muscles and bones as well as with blood flow
2. Diet – eat unprocessed foods whenever possible
3. Stress Relief – try practicing regular breathing exercises or meditation
4. Maintain Balance – find time for rest and relaxation

“Visiting Jenny came from an urgent need for help with a painful arthritic condition. The treatments were helpful in two ways; one, it enabled me to evaluate my overall health and explore what aspects of my lifestyle could be affecting my condition, and it helped me get much needed rest. The latter being critical to my physical and emotional well-being.” – Cecilia H., Executive Coach

Schedule an appointment with Jenny today
Call (650) 206-8116
Acupuncture in San Carlos, CA
Jenny Bisset, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

References:
Berman BM, Lao L, Langenberg P, Lee WL, Gilpin AMK, Hochberg MC. Effectiveness of Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004; 141 (12):901-910.
What is Osteoarthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. September 2006.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2005.
Joswick, Diane L.Ac. Acupuncture for Arthritis. 2006.
Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet. Arthritis Foundation. 2005.

Acupuncture for allergies in combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective treatment. This type of natural treatment has also been shown a way to eliminate hay fever and the common cold.

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body (see diagram below). These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy and prevent allergies.

What is Wei Qi, and how does it relate to allergies?

The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy.

When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen. People who have a Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.

Using acupuncture for allergies and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

How Acupuncture for Allergies Works

Your acupuncturist, Jenny Bisset will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns.

The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the body’s Wei Qi.

Allergies can be due to a variety of factors. Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that Jenny may discover and treat:

• Wei Qi deficiency
• Spleen weakness
• Kidney deficiency
• Lung deficiency

Schedule an appointment with Jenny today
Call (650) 206-8116
Acupuncture in San Carlos, CA
Jenny Bisset, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine