Intro on asthma &TMC

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Like so many Western medical conditions, asthma does not correspond to any

one TCM syndrome. There are several TCM syndromes which can manifest as

asthma. Among these are imbalances in the Kidneys, Spleen, and Liver as

well as in the Lungs. What helps asthma due to one Root can have no effect

on asthma due to another Root and can even make it worse. If treatment is to

be successful and do no harm, it is important to identify the correct TCM

Root which the asthma is manifesting from. In some cases the asthma will

disappear completely; in other cases the person may still require some

Western drugs and treatments (though less than before). This is one you

want to work with your doctor on in addition to your TCM healer.

 

When studying possible TCM Roots of asthma, two pairs of TCM concepts will

be especially important. These are the concepts of Hot/Cold and

Excess/Deficiency. A third concept that often plays a role in TCM Roots of

asthma is Qi Stagnation or flow problems and/or Qi Deficiency.

 

Some review of TCM concepts is necessary because new members have joined the

list.

 

Qi is loosely translated as " energy " . This isn't an exact translation of

what Qi means in , but it's close enough for what we're

considering. Qi flows throughout the body in pathways called meridians or

channels. People run into problems when there's not enough Qi (Qi

Deficiency), when it Stagnates (isn't flowing smoothly which causes some

areas to not have enough Qi while other areas have blocked Qi), and when it

flows in the wrong direction. Each meridian has a proper direction of flow.

For example, Qi in the Lung meridian is supposed to descend (flow from top

to bottom) in the meridian. Health problems arise if Lung Qi isn't flowing

downward. Qi in the Spleen meridian is supposed to ascend. Problems arise if

Spleen Qi sinks instead of rising.

 

Excess problems are due to there being too much of something. For example,

there may be too much Cold, too much Heat, too much Dampness, too much

Dryness, etc. Qi Stagnation and Reflux of Qi (rising when the proper

direction is descending) also are classified as Excess problems. So is

Phlegm. Any Phlegm is too much just as any Qi Stagnation and Qi Reflux is

too much. Phlegm is a term you're going to be seeing a lot in relation to

possible TCM Roots of asthma. Phlegm is caused by Dampness that stays too

long in one place and congeals into Phlegm. Phlegm can show up in any organ

of the body (as well as the bones and nerves), but it has a special affinity

for the Lungs. Some foods such as dairy products are notorious for forming

Phlegm.

 

Deficiency problems are due there being too little of something. For

example, too little Qi. Sinking of Qi (the Qi descends when it should be

ascending) usually is associated with Deficiency patterns.

 

In general, if the person has more trouble breathing in than exhaling, this

points to a Deficiency Root. If the person has greater or equal problems

breathing out than inhaling, this points to an Excess Root.

 

The concepts of Hot and Cold have the most far-reaching consequences in TCM

overall, not just when considering possible TCM Roots of asthma. If you

learn to identify Hot and Cold correctly, this will prevent many of the

possible treatment mistakes.

 

In general, Hot conditions are marked by red tongue tissue, yellow tongue

coating, and rapid pulse. In general the person tends to feel hot and

dislikes heat. This person is often thirsty and desires cold drinks. The

urine is dark-colored and concentrated. Body movements and speech tend to

be rapid. The person tends to be out-going and talkative.

 

In contrast, Cold conditions are marked by pale tongue tissue, white tongue

coating, and slow pulse. In general this person tends to feel cold a lot

and dislikes cold. The urine is light-colored, and there's a lot of it. The

stools tend to be loose. Body movements and speech tend to be slow. The

person tends to appear withdrawn.

 

Both Heat and Cold can be due to Excess or to Deficiency. In Excess Heat,

the person or a part of the person is too Hot due to there being too much of

something. A good example is what is known as Heat Exhaustion in the West

and as Summer Heat Evil in TCM. Problems are caused by the surrounding

temperatures being too hot. This is Excess. Likewise, frostbite is a good

example of Excess Cold. Problems are caused by temperatures being too cold.

 

Heat can also arise because there is too little Yin. One of the functions

of Yin is to cool the body. Yin Deficiency is also called Deficiency Heat.

The person is too Hot because there's not enough Yin to cool the body

properly.

 

Likewise, Cold can arise because there is too little Yang. One of the

functions of Yang is to warm the body. Yang Deficiency is also called

Deficiency Cold.

 

In some of the possible Roots of asthma - like Liver Fire Attacking Lungs -

you will see problems due to Excess Heat. In other problems like Lung Yin

Deficiency, you will see problems due to Deficiency Heat.

 

Some people have breathing problems when the weather turns very cold (Cold

Invading Lungs). This is an example of Excess Cold causing breathing

problems. Some people have breathing problems because Lung Qi and/or Spleen

Qi are Deficient or because Kidneys are Refusing to Grasp Qi (the Lung Qi is

failing to descend). These are examples of Deficiency Cold causing breathing

problems.

 

All this will start to get clearer to you when you look at the possible

Roots in more detail.

 

Victoria

 

 

 

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