Asthma in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different asthma patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. It is marked by recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. Triggers for asthma attacks can include allergens, respiratory infections, physical activity, cold air, and stress. Effective management of asthma involves identifying and avoiding triggers, as well as using medications to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), asthma is seen as a manifestation of underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe that imbalances in Qi, Phlegm accumulation, and Deficiencies in organ functions contribute to the development of asthma symptoms.
Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating the symptoms, TCM aims to address the root causes by identifying the specific pattern of disharmony. This holistic approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual, leading to more effective management of the condition.
TCM Patterns for Asthma
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Asthma
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Chest distension
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Yang Deficiency
Insufficient yang qi causing coldness, fatigue, and diminished physiological functions throughout the body
Causes: Asthma
Yang Deficiency represents a fundamental weakness of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as an inability to warm the body, transform substances, and maintain normal physiological activities, resulting in various cold-type symptoms and functional decline.
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Asthma
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Asthma
Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing
Qi Rebellion
Qi flowing against its natural direction, typically surging upward when it should descend
Causes: Asthma
Qi Rebellion represents a fundamental disruption in the body's energy flow, where qi moves against its proper direction - like water flowing uphill or smoke sinking downward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has a natural directional flow for its qi, and when this flow reverses, it creates a cascade of symptoms that shoot upward through the body.
Rebellious Lung Qi
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
Asthma
Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Asthma
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Chest distension
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Asthma
Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Asthma
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Asthma
Along with: Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Asthma
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Herbal Formulas for Asthma
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address asthma
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Disperses stagnation in the chest and diaphragm
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down...
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Descends Qi and calms wheezing
- Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough
- Disperses Cold and Transforms Phlegm
- Aids the Kidneys in Grasping Qi
- Guides Fire Back to Its Source
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Promotes Qi transformation
- Warms the Ming Men Fire
- Promotes Urination
- Supplements Yin and Benefits Yang
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Supplements Yin and Benefits Yang
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination...
Jin Fei Cao San
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Stops Cough
- Warms the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Hiccup
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Tonifies Qi
- Stops Vomiting
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Ke Xue Fang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire
- Calms the Lungs
- Cools the Blood
- Stops Bleeding
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Astringes the Lungs and Stops Cough
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face...
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
- Disperses Cold
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains excess Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
- Clears Heat from the Liver channel
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Nourishes Blood and Yin to prevent damage from bitter cold
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face...
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Calms Wheezing
- Disperses Wind-Heat
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Resolves Toxicity
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Descends Lung Qi and Stops Cough
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and stops cough
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Lung Heat
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Benefits the Throat and Reduces Swelling
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Disperses Wind-Heat
- Cools the diaphragm and clears the Heart
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Lung and Kidney Qi
- Stops Cough and Calms Wheezing
- Clears Lung Heat
- Resolves Phlegm
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Aids the Kidneys in Grasping Qi
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Si Ni San
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Transmits Yang and unblocks counterflow
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Dries Dampness
- Stops vomiting and eliminates irritability
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Wu Ling San
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination...
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold
- Warms the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
- Restores Lung Diffusing and Descending Functions
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these asthma patterns:
Main Actions
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Addresses These Asthma Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Asthma
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing
Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding
Bu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Tonifies Lung Qi
- Tonifies Qi and consolidates the Exterior
- Astringes the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Nourishes Kidney Yin to support the Lungs
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Vigorously Purges Heat Accumulation
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Softens Hardness and Moistens Dryness
- Clears interior Heat from the Yangming
Ding Chuan Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Restores Lung Diffusing and Descending Functions
- Calms Wheezing
- Clears Lung Heat
- Resolves Phlegm
- Releases the Exterior
Gui Zhi Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Releases the Muscle Layer
- Harmonizes the Nutritive and Defensive Qi
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Warms the Middle and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
- Harmonizes Yin and Yang
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach and Stops Vomiting
- Regulates Qi and resolves turbidity
- Calms the Spirit and Relieves Restlessness
Jiu Xian San
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Astringes the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Tonifies Qi
- Nourishes Yin
- Resolves Phlegm
- Descends Qi
- Calms Wheezing
You Gui Wan
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Warms the Ming Men Fire
- Nourishes Blood
- Strengthens the Sinews and Bones
Lian Po Yin
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Dries Dampness
- Stops Vomiting
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Warms Yang and Transforms Fluid Retention
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Subdues Rushing Qi (Ben Tun)
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Warms and Unblocks Yang
- Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain
Mai Men Dong Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Descends Qi
- Generates Fluids
- Moistens Dryness
- Descends Lung Qi and Stops Cough
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Moistens the Lungs
- Nourishes Yin and Generates Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen and Lungs
- Clears Lung Heat
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Stops Cough
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi and Resolves Binding
- Eliminates Focal Distention
San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Descends Qi
- Stops Cough and Calms Wheezing
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Loosens the chest and resolves distension
Da Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior
- Clears Interior Heat
- Eliminates Irritability
- Diffuses Lung Qi
- Resolves fluid retention through sweating
Di Tan Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Scours Phlegm and Opens the Orifices
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and resolves turbidity
- Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen
- Dries Dampness
Gun Tan Wan
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Drains Fire and expels Phlegm
- Descends Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Lung and Stomach Heat
- Opens the bowels and purges accumulation
- Calms the Spirit and Settles Fright
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Warms the Interior
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Disperses Wind-Cold from the Exterior
Si Mo Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Moves Qi
- Descends Qi
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules
- Supports the Upright and Dispels Pathogens
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Supports the Upright and Dispels Pathogens
Yu Ping Feng San
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Secures the Exterior
- Astringes to Stop Sweating
- Disperses Wind
- Strengthens the Spleen
Wei Jing Tang
Traditional formula for asthma
Main Actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Resolves Phlegm
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Expels Pus