Can massage therapy treat cough?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, whether massage therapy can treat coughing depends on the specific circumstances. It may be effective for coughs caused by conditions such as cold-induced common cold or chronic bronchitis, but may not be effective for coughs caused by lung cancer or tuberculosis. When choosing massage therapy, patients should maintain a rational attitude and select appropriate treatment methods based on their individual situations.
Generally speaking, whether massage therapy can treat coughing depends on the specific circumstances. If the cough is caused by conditions such as wind-cold感冒 (common cold with cold symptoms), chronic bronchitis, etc., massage therapy usually has some therapeutic effect. However, if the cough is caused by lung cancer or tuberculosis, massage may not be effective. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the persistent cough occurs during the stable phases of wind-cold感冒, chronic bronchitis, or asthma, massage therapy may offer certain therapeutic benefits. Massage therapy uses specific manual techniques to stimulate particular acupoints, aiming to regulate qi and blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote overall recovery. For cough caused by excessive internal cold, methods such as grasping the shoulder well (Jianjing, GB21) and rubbing the wind pool (Fengchi, GB20) can be used to generate warmth and dispel cold. Additionally, acupoints such as Lung Shu (BL13) and Yuji (LU10), which are commonly used for treating cough, can also be targeted through massage or acupressure.
If the cough is caused by conditions such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, or acute pneumonia, immediate medical attention and active treatment of the underlying disease are required. It is important to avoid receiving massage therapy blindly, as this may delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
When considering massage therapy, patients should maintain a rational attitude and choose appropriate treatment methods based on their individual conditions. If the cough is severe or persists without improvement, timely medical consultation and thorough examination and diagnosis are necessary.
