Bronchial Asthmaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Asthma
What is bronchial asthma?
Bronchial asthma, also known as asthmatic bronchitis, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. This condition 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.
How does TCM view bronchial asthma?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bronchial asthma is viewed 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.
Causes of bronchial asthma according to TCM
One common TCM pattern associated with bronchial asthma is Wind-Cold-Water in the Lungs. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and a productive cough with copious sputum. It often results from a combination of external factors, such as exposure to cold or damp environments, and internal imbalances that lead to the accumulation of Phlegm in the lungs.
Another relevant pattern is Kidneys failing to receive Qi, marked by symptoms like rapid respiration, difficulty breathing in, and chronic coughing. This pattern can develop due to chronic respiratory issues, overexertion, or aging, which weaken the kidneys' ability to grasp and descend qi effectively. Understanding these patterns helps in tailoring treatments that address the root causes of bronchial asthma in TCM.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bronchial Asthma
TCM treatment for bronchial asthma involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient’s underlying pattern. For Wind-Cold-Water in the Lungs, a commonly recommended formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang. This formula includes Ephedra (Ma Huang), which helps clear Wind-Cold and transform Phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
For Kidneys failing to receive Qi, formulas like Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang are often used. This formula contains Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), which help transform Phlegm and stop coughing, improving respiratory function. The choice of formula depends on the specific pattern diagnosed, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Additional formulas for bronchial asthma include Da Qing Long Tang for patterns involving Exterior Cold with Interior Heat, and Ren Shen Ge Jie San for Lung Qi Deficiency. These formulas use herbs like Ephedra and Ginseng to address specific imbalances and support respiratory health. Through careful diagnosis and tailored treatments, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing bronchial asthma and improving overall well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bronchial asthma, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Ren Shen Ge Jie San, with tokay geckos as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
| Yu Ping Feng San | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.
One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Bronchial asthma can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Gun Tan Wan, with chlorite schist as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Bronchial asthma can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas when it arises from cold causing phlegm accumulation, needing actions that warm and resolve phlegm.
One such formula is San Zi Yang Qin Tang, with white mustard seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Si Mo Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, with perilla seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Wei Jing Tang, with common reed rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Bronchial Asthma
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address bronchial asthma, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Da Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Da Qing Long Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Shen Qi Wan | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang |
| Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) | Di Tan Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Di Tan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) | Di Tan Tang |
| Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) | Si Mo Tang |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Gun Tan Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) | Gun Tan Wan |
| White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for bronchial asthma
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ren Shen Ge Jie San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Yu Ping Feng San |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Shen Qi Wan.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Bronchial asthma can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bronchial asthma, like Wei Jing Tang.