ACUPUNCTURE TO TREAT COPD (CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE)

The most common symptoms of COPD include: 

• shortness of breath 
• chronic cough 
• build-up of mucus
• wheezing 
• tightness of chest
• swelling in ankles, feet and/or legs 
• fatigue
• frequently contracting illnesses and respiratory diseases (e.g cold, flu, pneumonia) and taking a long time to recover

There are four stages of COPD and the severity of symptoms vary, depending on the stage. 

Although acupuncture does not cure COPD, it can slow down the progress of lung deterioration, minimize symptoms, and help improve COPD patients’ quality of life.

Acupuncture may help to increase the elasticity of airways, resulting in more comfortable breathing patterns, deeper breaths, and the sensation of receiving more oxygen.  Acupuncture can treat symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sputum (mucus coughed up from the lower parts of the respiratory tract), chest pains, chest tightness, and fatigue. Patients may see improved breathing patterns and feel more comfortable when inhaling and exhaling, following acupuncture treatment. 

Additionally, acupuncture can help increase the patient’s immune system, thereby decreasing the chances of contracting illnesses (e.g cold, flu). 

We usually recommend that patients receive treatment at least 1-2 times per week.  However, frequency of treatment is dependent on the patient’s case.

After patients are assessed, our therapist will advise them with the appropriate frequency of treatment based on their needs, and will adjust it accordingly after reassessment.