Respiratory System: What is it

In all living creatures, the respiratory system is a set of organs that allows them to exchange oxygen with the environment in which they live. That is, through the Respiratory System oxygen enters the body, with the subsequent elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) (the presence of which without oxygen, would be completely harmful to the body).

In humans, the organs that comprise the Respiratory System are the nose, the nasopharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi and the lungs.

Each of the above organs helps maintain the body’s balance. In this sense, the Respiratory System is complemented by the circulatory system, which carries incoming oxygen through the blood to the whole body and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs, in order to prevent the body’s pH from changing. This is how normal homeostasis is achieved.

This process that supplies the body with the necessary for life oxygen, is the process called breathing (respiration).

Breathing consists of two stages, inhalation (air intake) and exhalation (air release). When breathing, it is almost impossible to eliminate pollutants contained in the ambient atmosphere. Inhalation of these microorganisms becomes inevitable. To avoid health problems, the respiratory system has defensive mechanisms, which are activated based on the action of the various organs.  Therefore, health and longevity of each of our cells depends to a large extent on proper breathing – so much so that, it is said: “good breathing helps us stay healthy“.

Respiratory System: Diseases 

Our body has natural defenses to fight viruses and bacteria that enter the Respiratory System (such as nasal mucus), and uses coughing and sneezing to eliminate these harmful microorganisms. However, it is not uncommon for some of those microorganisms to overcome defensive barriers, thus causing significant or less severe respiratory disorders.

Air pollution, cigarette smoke, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or powders, recurrent childhood respiratory infections, and neglected seasonal illnesses, are the main risk factors that determine the onset of various respiratory diseases, such as: 

Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Bronchopneumonia, Allergic Bronchial Asthma, Emphysema, Common Cold, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, Sleep Apnea, Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Legionnaires’ Disease, etc.

Respiratory System: Acupuncture – The Ally of the Respiratory System

Acupuncture is a valuable ally for the protection of the Respiratory System. Respiratory diseases – according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – cause weakening of the immune system and increased vulnerability of internal organs, with the subsequent possible occurrence of very serious diseases.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), breathing is very important because when it is not corrected (due to stress, or any negative emotional state or pathology) it does not perform its main work which is adequate oxygenation. As a consequence, the immune system weakens, increasing the vulnerability of organs, especially the lungs and the kidneys. 

Respiratory System: What’s included in the treatment of Medical Acupuncture

For the treatment of respiratory diseases in children and adults, we apply different therapeutic techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine and, where necessary, we also work with specialized professionals of conventional medicine, increasing the effectiveness. Taking medications is not excluded, in cases this is necessary.

We are engaged with the prevention and treatment of many diseases that affect the Respiratory System, which can be treated with:

Acupuncture, Suction cups, GwaSha, Moxatherapy and Massage for Children, Dietetics, Chinese Pharmacology and Herbal Medicines.

Respiratory System: Treatment through General Body Acupuncture

Generally, for the treatment of respiratory diseases, a cycle of Acupuncture sessions is indicated by a qualified Acupuncturist Doctor, aiming at the rejuvenation of the lung and treatment of the resulting causes, such as organic deficiencies, excess mucus, etc.  In chronic cases, it is recommended to repeat personalized Acupuncture conferences, the frequency of which should be determined with the Physicians of our Institute, based on symptoms and the clinical history.

Treatment is performed through General Body Acupuncture, although there are several other Acupuncture techniques that may also be effective in individual cases. Certain dietary modifications may also be helpful for preventing relapses.

There’s a lot you can do to protect your lungs. Avoid both active and passive smoking at any cost. Do not neglect your regular physical exercise – walking, swimming or cycling – in fresh air.  Modify and take care of your diet.