What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where the airways are inflamed or damaged, and airflow becomes restricted. Symptoms often include chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, phlegm production, and fatigue, especially during exertion or in cold weather.In modern medicine, COPD is commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, pollution, or occupational dust. It tends to worsen over time and requires ongoing management.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective on COPD

Strengthening the Root, Clearing the Obstruction

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, COPD is categorized under conditions such as "Fei Zhang" (Lung distention) and "Chuan" (wheezing and dyspnea). TCM does not define diseases based on specific pathogens or structural damage but rather on functional disharmonies within organ systems—primarily the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys.TCM views COPD as a combination of root deficiency and branch excess:

Root Deficiency: A weakening of Lung, Spleen, or Kidney Qi/Yang/Yin, which reduces the body's ability to regulate respiration and fluids.Branch Excess: The accumulation of Phlegm, Dampness, or Heat in the lungs obstructs the airways and worsens symptoms.

🔹 TCM Treatment Principles for COPD

TCM treatment focuses on both managing symptoms and restoring long-term internal balance:

Tonify Lung Qi – to support breathing and defensive Qi

Strengthen Spleen function – to resolve Dampness and prevent Phlegm accumulation

Warm and Tonify Kidney Yang – to support the Lung’s ability to “grasp Qi” (draw breath downward)

Clear Phlegm and transform Dampness – to relieve congestion

Calm wheezing and ease shortness of breath – especially during flare-ups

🔹 Common TCM Patterns and Treatments

✅ Lung Qi Deficiency

Shortness of breath, weak voice, fatigue, frequent colds

Treatment: Tonify Lung Qi

✅ Spleen Qi Deficiency with Damp-Phlegm

Heavy limbs, loose stools, thick sputum, poor appetite

Treatment: Strengthen Spleen, transform Phlegm

✅ Kidney Yang Deficiency

Cold hands/feet, sore back, wheezing worse at night or on exertion

Treatment: Warm Kidneys, help Lung grasp Qi

✅ Phlegm-Heat in the Lung (acute flare-ups)

Yellow sputum, feverish feeling, chest fullness, red tongue

Treatment: Clear Heat, resolve Phlegm

🔹 Additional TCM Therapies for COPD

Acupuncture: Regulates Lung Qi, relieves chest tightness, strengthens the immune system

Moxibustion: Warms Yang and strengthens the Lungs and Kidneys, especially in chronic cold-type cases

Cupping and Gua Sha: Help relieve congestion and move Qi in the chest area

Dietary Therapy:Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods

Eat warming and Qi-tonifying foods (soups, congee, steamed vegetables)Use Lung-nourishing ingredients like pears, almonds, white fungus, and lotus seeds

💬 Conclusion

TCM offers a gentle, individualized, and root-focused approach to managing COPD. By strengthening organ function, resolving Phlegm, and supporting the body's natural energy flow, Chinese medicine can:

Improve breathing

Reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups

Boost overall vitality and immune function

Whether as a standalone therapy or integrated with conventional care, TCM provides valuable long-term support for those living with COPD—naturally and holistically.