Back in 2015 my lungs allowed me to experience the healing power of complementary medicine – combining Western and Chinese medicine. A painful lung infection was effectively treated with a steroid inhaler and Chinese herbs.
It All Started With A Forest Fire
I was living in Denver, Colorado when the entire city was engulfed in smoke from the massive forest fires raging in Washington State, Oregon and California. The weather reports described that, even more than the smoke, it was the microscopic particles from the fires that were filling the air in Denver and the whole Front Range in Colorado.
I felt the effects of this smoke almost immediately, developing a harsh, painful, burning cough. I am allergic to pine pollen, and something about these microscopic particles set my lungs on fire. A very painful cough continued throughout the weekend. By early the following week a fever had started and my irritated lungs had become infected. Now I felt really bad! Hacking, painful cough, stabbing headache from the cough, plus a fever, made me miserable.
The Importance of Chinese Medicine
Using Chinese medicine, I began eating specific foods to support my lungs. In addition, I started taking two powerful Chinese herbal medicines, one focused on resolving infections in the lungs, and the other specializing in clearing phlegm from the lungs. These herbs were essential to resolve the lung infection. However, I was still in great discomfort, as the cough was painful.
The Importance of Western Medicine
Next, I made an appointment to see our primary care doctor. Dr. Husney saw me and determined that my lungs were clear of pneumonia, and that my infection was most likely viral and not bacterial. No need for antibiotics. The infection in my lungs would run it’s course. She prescribed a steroid inhaler, as well as a 12-hour cough suppressant. She also suggested I take Zertec to deal with the allergic component of my reaction.
For the next week I kept up with my Chinese medicines to resolve the infection in my lungs, and the Western medicines to ease my symptoms. Thankfully I got better quickly.
Realization About Healing My Lungs
When I returned to work the next week I realized how both Chinese and Western medicine had worked together to heal my lungs – true complementary medicine. The Chinese herbs worked from the inside out, to heal my body and clear the infection from my lungs. The Western diagnosis ruling out pneumonia and pinpointing the illness as viral eased my worries and allowed me to continue the Chinese treatment without the need for antibiotics. And the steroid inhaler gave my lungs tremendous relief during the course of my recovery.
Complementary Medicine
There is no doubt in my mind that I recovered faster from the infection because of the Chinese herbs and foods. And the clear Western diagnosis and medications relieved my mind of worry and my body of pain during the healing process.
All Americans deserve good complementary medicine care when they are faced with acute illness. Right now only 15% of our patients have insurance that covers acupuncture. That needs to be 100%. And Americans need to know all their options when it comes to treating disease and illness.
Next Steps
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What our Clients are Saying
My treatments for asthma at Raleigh Acupuncture were successful. I’ve had asthma my whole life. It was typically triggered when I played sports or physically exerted myself. I was using an inhaler (Advair) for years, but wanted to try acupuncture to see if I could stop using it.
My research on acupuncture treating asthma showed mixed results, but the doctor at the acupuncture office encouraged me to try their treatment. I received 12 treatments total. After the first six treatments I was noticing a positive difference. I didn’t have to use my inhaler as often. After the 12 visits I was needing the inhaler even less frequently.
I can tell that my lungs are stronger now. I get less winded, wheeze much less frequently, and have more stamina. I will continue the acupuncture on a maintenance basis to keep up the benefits. I recommend them for treating asthma.
