ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic illness of the upper respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, swells and fills with mucus in response to one or more triggers. Triggers may be such things as an allergen, cold air, warm air, moist air, exercise or exertion, emotional stress, or genetics. In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. The main sypmtoms of asthma are wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Other symptoms include nose or throat irritation, rapid heart rate, sweating, and phlegm production. Between episodes, most patients feel well but may have mild symptoms and may remain short of breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. The symptoms of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes.

There are a number of organs and meridians that may be imbalanced to cause asthma. Both the Lungs and the Kidneys are primary organs involved in respiration. According to Five Element Theory, the Lungs are the mother of the Kidneys. In turn, the Kidneys are the source of all Yang energies of the body. In addition, the Spleen transforms food into Qi which then supply the Lungs. If the Spleen is weak, it may overproduce mucus. The Liver can also be involved as it is responsible for the free flow of Qi. If there is stagnation in our Qi, then the organs and parts of our body don’t get a proper supply of Qi and work ineffectively. The Triple Heater is in charge of our immunity and water metabolism. If the Triple Heater is not functioning then it does not fight off pathogens before they enter the body and an excess of water can collect in the upper half of the body.

A shiatsu therapist will determine which of the above organs and meridian are most affected for each individual, based on questioning and palpation. The treatment goals will be to strengthen the Lungs, Kidneys, Spleen, to calm the Mind and restore the Descending Lung Qi.

© 2008 Balance Shiatsu