Treating Coughs with Acupuncture and Cupping
Coughs are among the most commonly treated respiratory conditions in my acupuncture practice. Whether chronic or acute, they can often be relieved effectively through a combination of acupuncture and cupping. When treating a cough, I pay close attention to how often the patient coughs, the severity of the episodes, and the color of any phlegm—whether it’s clear, yellow, or green—as these are important diagnostic clues.
What Causes a Cough?
Coughs can be triggered by both external and internal factors. External causes include exposure to dust, allergens, dry or damp weather, cold temperatures, viruses, and bacteria. Internal factors typically relate to how the lungs and immune system respond to these triggers.
Types of Cough Patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Lung Function Affected by the Common Cold
These coughs often present with symptoms such as headaches, a stuffy nose, chills, and a strong desire to stay bundled under a blanket. A key diagnostic detail is whether or not the patient is sweating. This pattern is most often seen in the spring and fall.
2. Lung Function Affected by the Flu
More common in early spring and late fall, flu-related coughs come with symptoms like sore throat, thirst, fever, sweating, vomiting, and fatigue. Acupuncture can help ease symptoms and support faster recovery.
3. Lung Congestion from Phlegm or Infection
This is the most frequent type of cough I see in the clinic. It often starts as a lingering cough in the mornings, with yellow or green phlegm, usually after an upper respiratory infection. Many patients seek acupuncture after antibiotics have failed to fully clear the infection.
Note: In severe or antibiotic-resistant respiratory infections, I’ve found the most effective treatment involves a combination of acupuncture, cupping, hot packs, and antibiotics. In my experience, this integrative approach delivers unmatched results.
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