Bronchitis is caused by inflammation in the bronchial tubes. These tubes that transport air back and forth from the lungs get inflamed and thick with mucus. This causes its sufferers to cough repeatedly and forcefully, bringing up the discolored mucus. Sometimes bronchitis is chronic, meaning people get it several times each year. Chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking, allergies, or any other ailment or lifestyle habit that keeps the tubes constantly irritated. Acute bronchitis is caused sporadically by allergies, colds, or other respiratory viruses. It can leave the body within a few days, but the actual cough may linger for weeks.
Symptoms
For one, coughing is a symptom of bronchitis. The cough may be severe and in earnest. People that cough and cough with bronchitis usually cough up discharge that can be any color; the discharge is thick and there is usually quite a bit of it. Symptoms include body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a heavy chest that is uncomfortable. Other symptoms may also be fever, chills, and body aches.
How Acupuncture Can Help
If you suffer from either acute or chronic bronchitis, acupuncture can be used to improve your health. The acupuncture points will activate your body’s energy (“qi”) and release signals to your brain to release certain hormones and chemicals. These hormones and chemicals have healing qualities for bronchitis. The needles may be placed at various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, chest, feet, and hands and you will allow them to channel the “qi” for approximately thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the acupuncturist.
If you get bronchitis either acutely or chronically, and would like to find alternative treatment options that are effective, acupuncture may be for you. This method of treatment may also be combined with traditional medicine or another form of alternative medicine, such as cupping therapy or using essential oils. Once you receive your acupuncture treatments for this condition, you may begin to feel better almost immediately or within a few days, as everyone responds to acupuncture differently.