Respiratory infections (supportive care for coughs, bronchitis)

Respiratory infections, including coughs, colds, and bronchitis, are common illnesses that affect the lungs and airways. Symptoms can include persistent coughing, chest congestion, shortness of breath, sore throat, and fatigue. While many infections are viral and self-limiting, they can weaken the body's defences and lead to chronic respiratory issues if not properly managed.

Understanding Respiratory Infections in TCM

In TCM, respiratory infections are often linked to:

• Wind-Cold invasion causing early-stage symptoms
• Wind-Heat invasion leading to fever and sore throat
• Phlegm accumulation obstructing the lungs
• Lung Qi deficiency weakening immune defences

Treatment focuses on expelling pathogens, clearing Phlegm, strengthening Lung Qi, and supporting overall vitality.

How Acupuncture Helps with Respiratory Infections

Acupuncture supports recovery by:

• Stimulating Lung function and enhancing respiratory circulation
• Relieving cough, sore throat, and chest tightness
• Strengthening the immune system to fight infections
• Reducing inflammation in the airways

Key acupuncture points along the Lung, Large Intestine, Ren (Conception Vessel), and Bladder meridians are used based on symptom presentation.

Recent research published in the Journal of Integrative Respiratory Medicine (2022) shows acupuncture shortens the duration of acute respiratory infections and improves symptom resolution.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Lung Health

Chinese herbal therapy complements acupuncture by:

• Expelling Wind and resolving pathogens
• Clearing Heat or Cold depending on infection type
• Transforming Phlegm to clear airway obstructions
• Strengthening Lung and Spleen Qi to restore immune function

Commonly used herbs include:

• Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower): Clears Heat and toxins
• Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit): Expels Wind-Heat
• Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root): Descends Lung Qi and relieves cough
• Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice Root): Harmonises formulas and soothes the throat

Herbal prescriptions are personalised based on stage and severity of infection.

Different Patterns of Respiratory Infections in TCM

Wind-Cold Type

Symptoms include:

• Chills, mild fever
• Clear nasal discharge
• Body aches

Treatment aims to expel Wind-Cold and support Lung Qi.

Wind-Heat Type

Symptoms include:

• Fever, sore throat
• Yellow nasal discharge
• Dry cough

Treatment focuses on clearing Wind-Heat and cooling the body.

Phlegm-Obstructed Lungs

Symptoms include:

• Productive cough with thick mucus
• Chest fullness
• Shortness of breath

Treatment resolves Phlegm and strengthens the Lungs.

Lung Qi Deficiency Post-Infection

Symptoms include:

• Lingering cough
• Fatigue
• Weak voice

Treatment tonifies Lung Qi and restores immune resilience.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Respiratory Recovery

At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Eating light, easy-to-digest meals such as congee, soups, and steamed vegetables
• Avoiding greasy, spicy, and fried foods that generate internal Heat
• Staying well-hydrated with warm fluids
• Resting adequately to support immune recovery
• Managing emotional stress with breathing exercises, meditation, or Tai Chi
• Using herbal steams to open nasal passages and soothe airways

Proper rest, hydration, and gentle care are critical for full respiratory recovery.

Final Thoughts

Respiratory infections can be challenging, but natural healing is possible. With Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can clear infections, strengthen your lungs, and protect your long-term respiratory health.