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Acupuncture for Bronchitis
ShareAcupuncture is one of a range of natural therapies that can be accessed for the treatment of chest infections such as bronchitis. Though medications such as antibiotics are often required to deal with serious chest infections, these often do have negative side effects, including drowsiness and lethargy.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an infection of the chest that leads to congested airways and inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. The infection is typically caused by a virus or bacteria, which are often successfully fought by the body’s immune system. If the infection persists and is more serious it may need treatment with antibiotics. This is often the case in young children, where the condition is termed bronchiolitis, or in the sick or elderly where it may prove fatal. Symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Coughing with chest pains
- Excessive production of phlegm
- Fever, headaches and chills; and
- Fatigue
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and involves the insertion of thin acupuncture needles into specific points on the skin. This is based on the belief that the body is comprised of energy (Qi) which is stored in pathways or meridians. Any illness or ailment is considered a blockage of this energy flow, and needs to be released to maintain health. Trained acupuncturists are able to pinpoint which parts of the body need to be targeted, based on this ancient tradition which has the body’s energy pathways mapped. Acupuncture stimulates the release of pain relieving endorphins as well as neurotransmitters, stimulating the nervous system and circulation. There is also laser acupuncture, where low powered lasers replace needles, and is generally a painless treatment – with no sensation felt by the patient. Treatments last from half an hour to an hour, with very little or no pain experienced after the insertion of the needles.
How Can Acupuncture Help Bronchitis?
Acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms of chest infections such as bronchitis, via a series of treatments by a qualified acupuncturist. Ensure that the practitioner you consult has an accredited qualification and is registered with the relevant national association. This will ensure that they maintain the highest standards of hygiene, especially regarding the use and disposal of acupuncture needles. In the hands of an unskilled practitioner acupuncture may lead to infection, allergic reactions and other undesirable side effects.
Find out about other effective natural treatments for bronchitis.
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