The theory of Chinese Medicine holds that the lungs are the main circulatory organ in the body. They are referred to as the 'commander' of qi. The theory explains that if you can improve the function of your respiratory system then you can improve your overall circulation and therefore your overall health.
Acupuncture treatment may be able to assist with number of symptoms associated with respiratory disorders. These may include acute or chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, the common cold, tonsillitis, bronchitis, asthma and COPD or emphysema.
Acupuncture is thought to:
- decrease the bodies reactivity to substances - the histamine response - which produces allergic symptoms
- stimulate anti-inflammatory agents naturally to decrease inflammation
- calm the sympathetic nervous system to relax smooth muscle to open constricted airways, ease breathing and move excess mucous and phlegm.
- improve lung capacity and ease of respiration during activity and at rest enabling COPD sufferers to perform the activities of daily living.
You can read more about the actions of acupuncture here: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/present-research/lungs-and-respiratory-system/
