Pediatric asthma according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, pediatric asthma is sometimes associated with Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's pediatric asthma might be caused by the pattern Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from pediatric asthma alone. Indeed if pediatric asthma is caused by Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, patients also experience symptoms such as coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, focal distention of the chest, poor appetite and digestive difficulties. Similarly, patients with Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation typically exhibit slippery (Hua) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation so that you can have a better understanding of where pediatric asthma might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below San Zi Yang Qin Tang, a formula that can help treat Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation.
Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with pediatric asthma
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua)
Tongue coating: Thick white coating
Recommended herbal formula: San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Symptoms: Poor appetite Digestive difficulties Focal distention of the chest Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum
Pediatric asthma might be due to Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, focal distention of the chest, poor appetite and digestive difficulties. Similarly, patients with Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation typically exhibit slippery (Hua) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.
Read more about Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation here
San Zi Yang Qin Tang, a herbal formula that might help with pediatric asthma
San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Source date: 1856 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Directs the Qi downward. Transforms Phlegm. Reduces harbored food.
Why might San Zi Yang Qin Tang help with pediatric asthma?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, a pattern sometimes associated with pediatric asthma. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to pediatric asthma
Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum Focal distention of the chest Poor appetite Digestive difficulties
