By Paul Ellis

Hi, I am attending an acupuncturist. I have chronic asthma and lots of cattarh (runny nose). The Chinese doctor that I attend is producing excellent results in my illness. I used tallergies2.htmo cough a lot and get blocked with cattarh and have lots of asthma symptoms despite being on the maximum non-steroid tablet doses of conventional medicines. I am now relieved of most of the symptoms following acupuncture and herb infusions, which are both continuing. I am still taking conventional medicines but the control is a lot better.

I have always been a total skeptic as far as this type of medical treatment is concerned, I am not, however, so sure now and wonder whether you could give me some explanation or pointers to information sources that would help to explain what happens and how the treatment is successful for my complaints. The Chinese doctor that I visit is limited in his English language and so it is difficult to ask him.

acupuncture.com's response:

There are two main methods of treating this, and the method is designed to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptoms that you came in to have treated.

Two causes are more typical than others.

1. Wei Qi deficiency. That's an immune system deficiency. Strengthening the (Chinese concept of the) lungs will fix this.
2. Spleen Qi deficinecy with dampness. That's a digestive disorder that can cause water to rise up into the nose.
3. A little of both. That happens too.

Be well.