Difficulty Breathing Inaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Shortness Of Breath
Root Causes of Difficulty Breathing In in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Difficulty breathing in according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Phlegm
- Kidney
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Difficulty Breathing In
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm in Chest | Difficult breathing, Focal distention of the chest, Difficulty breathing in | Gua Di San |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Difficulty Breathing In
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidneys failing to receive Qi | Difficulty in inhaling, Exertional dyspnea, Rapid respiration, Weak respiratory, Difficulty breathing in, Chronic coughing, Asthma, Spontaneous sweat, Cold extremities, Facial edema, Emaciation, Low energy, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Clear urination... see more | You Gui Wan | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Difficulty Breathing In
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address difficulty breathing in, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that induce vomiting
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Gua Di San
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause difficulty breathing in, such as Phlegm in Chest
Learn moreFormulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some difficulty breathing in-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
These formulas are suitable for some difficulty breathing in-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, with perilla seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some difficulty breathing in-causing patterns like Kidneys failing to receive Qi.
One such formula is Ren Shen Ge Jie San, with tokay geckos as a key herb.
Formulas that induce vomiting
These formulas are suitable for some difficulty breathing in-causing patterns like Phlegm in Chest.
One such formula is Gua Di San, with melon stalk as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Difficulty Breathing In
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address difficulty breathing in, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Difficulty breathing in 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 difficulty breathing in, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for difficulty breathing in
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Difficulty breathing in 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 Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for difficulty breathing in, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for difficulty breathing in
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) | You Gui Wan |
| Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie) | Ren Shen Ge Jie San |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Difficulty breathing in 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 difficulty breathing in, like Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for difficulty breathing in
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang |
| Melon Stalks (Gua Di ) | Gua Di San |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Difficulty breathing in 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 difficulty breathing in, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.