From Wheezing to Breathing

Can Chinese Medicine Change How You Treat Asthma?

In this video, we’ve dived into the latest research to uncover what science says about time-tested Chinese Medicine and its role in managing asthma and supporting lung health.

The findings?

Nothing short of impressive!

Watch or read below…

Struggling to catch your breath?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects over 300 million people worldwide, turning simple, everyday tasks into a battle with every breath—from mild wheezing to severe shortness of breath.

Asthma affected an estimated 262 million people worldwide in 2019 and was responsible for 455,000 deaths

Are inhalers and corticosteroids the only options?

Could time-tested practices backed by growing evidence help you breathe easier?

For centuries, Chinese Medicine has been a key approach to managing asthma, or ‘Xiao Chuan‘—a condition linked to imbalances, weaknesses, and the build-up of Phlegm or waste.

While modern science has been slow to catch up due to limited studies and funding, the evidence is steadily growing.

And it’s compelling.

Whether used alone or alongside conventional treatments, research shows Chinese Medicine can deliver impressive results: better breathing, improved lung function, and fewer medication side effects.

So, what does the research show? 

Let’s dive in.

FEV1, FEVC and Biomarkers

A 2024 review published in The European Journal of Integrative Medicine looked at 20 trials with over 1,700 patients, and the results were nothing short of impressive.

When Chinese herbal formulas were combined with Western treatments, lung function saw significant improvements:

• FEV1, which measures how much air you can force out in one second, jumped by up to 62%, meaning clearer, less restricted airways, easier breathing, and fewer asthma attacks.
• FVC, the total volume of air you can exhale after a deep breath, increased by 43%, showing stronger lung capacity, meaning your lungs can hold and push out more air, working much more efficiently.
• Even more promising, lung damage biomarkers—signs of inflammation and long-term harm—dropped by 50% – meaning that we’re looking at real, lasting improvements in lung health, not just short-term relief.

Chinese Medicine Vs Hard-to-Treat Asthma

One standout study from 2007 in Phytotherapy Research tracked 14 adults with chronic, hard-to-treat asthma over three years, using a specific Chinese herbal formula – containing Sophora flavescens Ait.

The results?

• 100% of patients saw substantial long-term benefits.
• After just four weeks, 78% reported improved daytime symptoms, which shot up to 97% after three years.
• Nighttime symptoms improved from 72% to 98%.
• Inhaler use dropped by 45% in just four weeks, and by an astounding 97% after three years. All patients eventually ditched steroids.

The Ashmi and the DCT Studies

Another key study, the ASHMI (Antiasthma Herbal Medicine Intervention) trial, involved 91 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

• ASHMI capsules led to a 30% improvement in lung function (FEV1) in 100% of patients — just slightly below the 35% seen with standard steroids but without unwanted side effects like weight gain or adrenal suppression.

Then there’s the Ding Chuan Tang (DCT) Study, where 52 children with mild-to-moderate asthma saw a 20% improvement in airway responsiveness over 12 weeks. It stabilised symptoms for all the kids involved, making it a promising complementary treatment for young asthma sufferers.

 

Asthma doesn’t have to hold you back. Both Western and Chinese medicine offer options to explore. Plus, simple lifestyle tweaks—like managing stress and adjusting your diet—can make a big difference too.

Speak with a healthcare professional to explore your options and get personalised advice.

Brought to you by AcuMedic in London