Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical systems in the world. It’s based on a holistic approach, which means it looks at the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. It’s also believed to cure many diseases, including cystic fibrosis. In this article, we’ll discuss what TCM and cystic fibrosis are, as well as how traditional Chinese medicine treats cystic fibrosis. Let’s begin!
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
A medical method called traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced in China for many years. It’s based on the belief that the human body is a microcosm of the universe and that the laws that govern the universe also govern the human body. TCM practitioners believe that diseases are caused by imbalances in the body, and they use various techniques to restore balance. These techniques include acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and exercise.
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that prevents the body’s epithelial cells from functioning normally. Many of our vital organs, such as the liver, lungs, skin, kidneys, and reproductive system, have epithelial cells lining their passages. Cystic fibrosis patients have a gene abnormality that affects epithelial cell function. This can result in an accumulation of thick, sticky mucus throughout the body, which may ultimately cause lung damage and persistent coughing, impairing the ability of cystic fibrosis sufferers to breathe and filter air, digest their food, and absorb nutrients from it.
There are around 12 million people who have this condition in the United States alone. Sadly, there is no known treatment for the disease, and most sufferers only survive into their 20s and 30s. Treatments in modern medicine today are geared toward improving the quality of life by controlling symptoms.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Cystic Fibrosis
TCM can benefit people with cystic fibrosis. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis are treated by this medical system using a variety of techniques. To assist the patient and lessen the buildup of mucus throughout the body, everything from acupuncture to cupping can be used.
Of the 400-plus acupuncture points on the human body, many are especially helpful for expelling phlegm and mucus, decreasing pain, and helping to calm the central nervous system, all of which are symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Regular acupuncture sessions can aid in reducing chest pain that a cystic fibrosis patient experiences as a result of excessive phlegm buildup in the lungs and help the patient breathe more easily.
Cupping to Treat Cystic Fibrosis
Another modality frequently used in TCM is cupping. In order to do cupping, a vessel, usually a glass cup, must first have the oxygen sucked out in order to create negative pressure before being put on the body. By drawing oxygen-rich blood into the tissues, the negative pressure will function as a suction cup and speed up the healing process. The pain in the chest region can be reduced by cupping by drawing out toxins and generating drainage, which can aid in breaking up any mucus in the lungs.
Qi and Cystic Fibrosis
According to traditional Chinese medical belief, a person’s Qi, also known as vital energy, is limited at birth and gradually depletes over time. Qi may be restored by embracing healthy lifestyle choices like consistent exercise, adequate rest, and a nutritious, balanced diet. It is crucial for people with cystic fibrosis to conserve as much Qi as they can because they have a limited amount of Qi when they are born. Lungs and the gastrointestinal tract are directly harmed by cystic fibrosis, making them quickly inadequate and feeble. Regular acupuncture treatments can aid in maintaining Qi by promoting the body’s natural healing processes.
Conclusion
Combining TCM and Western treatment can be a big blessing for cystic fibrosis patients, elevating their general quality of life. If you or a loved one suffers from this debilitating disease, please don’t hesitate to give traditional Chinese medicine a try.
