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An acute cough, often due to a common cold or respiratory infection, is short-term. In contrast, a chronic cough persists for weeks and may indicate deeper health issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views these types of coughs as a symptom of imbalance within the body’s systems, particularly affecting the lungs. TCM treatments aim to restore this balance through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments.
TCM views chronic cough as a symptom of external pathogens or internal imbalances. Understanding these causes helps tailor effective TCM treatments.
External pathogens such as Wind, Cold, Dampness, Dryness, Heat, and Fire lead to acute coughs. These factors invade the body through the respiratory system, causing symptoms like coughing and phlegm. Addressing these external factors for acute cough TCM treatments is essential to restore health.
Internal imbalances, including Lung-Yin Deficiency, Liver Fire, Phlegm-Dampness, and Phlegm-Heat, lead to chronic coughs. These imbalances disrupt the harmony of the body’s internal systems, resulting in persistent coughs. Therefore, addressing these internal issues is a key aspect of effective acute and chronic cough TCM treatments.
Acute coughs in TCM arise from external pathogens invading the lungs. These pathogens disrupt lung function, causing various types of acute coughs like Wind-Heat, Wind-Cold, and Wind-Dryness. Identifying these types helps tailor effective TCM treatments.
Wind-Heat coughs are marked by a distinctive loud, rasping sound, accompanied by a sore throat and sticky yellow mucus. Common symptoms comprise fever, slight chills, thirst, and headaches. This type of cough typically arises from exposure to hot, dry climates or sudden shifts in weather conditions.
Wind-Cold coughs present with heavy coughing, white phlegm, stuffy nose, chills, body aches, and headaches. Cold weather or drafts typically trigger this cough by impairing the lung’s ability to disperse Qi.
Wind-Dryness coughs are dry and persistent with little or no phlegm. A tickling throat sensation and thirst are some of the other symptoms associated with this condition. Dry, windy environments often cause this condition, leading to irritation and coughing.
Type of Cough | Symptoms | Common Causes |
Wind-Heat | Loud, rasping cough, sore throat, sticky yellow phlegm, fever, mild chills, thirst, headaches | Hot, dry environments, climatic changes |
Wind-Cold | Heavy cough with white phlegm, stuffy nose, chills, body aches, headaches | Cold weather, cold drafts |
Wind-Dryness | Dry, persistent cough, little/no phlegm, tickling throat, thirst | Dry, windy environments |
Chronic cough, often lasting eight weeks or more, significantly affects quality of life. Symptoms include persistent coughing, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, frequent throat clearing, sore throat, hoarseness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and heartburn. In rare cases, coughing up blood can also occur. These symptoms may indicate underlying problems such as:
Chronic cough can disrupt daily activities, lead to fatigue due to interrupted sleep, and exacerbate respiratory issues, making its management crucial for one’s well-being.
TCM offers a holistic approach to managing acute or chronic cough by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body. Using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments, TCM treatment aims to restore harmony and strengthen the body’s natural defences. Especially in Singapore’s humid climate, where certain periods make people more susceptible to coughs, TCM serves as an alternative conduit to deal with underlying issues such as respiratory infections.
A comprehensive TCM cough treatment may encompass herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, and food therapy, tailored to address various cough types.
At ENOK TCM Clinic, we specialise in tailoring herbal blends to address various types of cough, including chronic, acute, and coughs with phlegm. Our herbal formulations are crafted from a combination of medicinal herbs that could possibly aid with addressing respiratory issues. For instance, herbs such as liquorice root, fritillaria bulb, and loquat leaf are commonly used to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and expel phlegm. Plus, each herbal blend is customised to the patient’s unique condition, ensuring a targeted approach to managing cough symptoms.
With acupuncture, blockages may be cleared, lung function may potentially improve, and the immune system may be strengthened by targeting specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s energy flow, or Qi, to restore balance and manage symptoms. This treatment addresses the immediate discomfort caused by coughing and supports overall respiratory health. Regular acupuncture sessions can potentially help reduce the frequency and severity of coughs, especially in chronic cases.
Food therapy and home remedies are integral parts of our holistic treatment plan. We provide dietary recommendations that include foods known to support respiratory health, such as pears, white radishes, and honey. These foods help to soothe the throat, reduce phlegm, and boost the body’s natural defences. Additionally, we suggest home remedies that patients can easily incorporate into their daily routines. For example, a simple home remedy that involves boiling apricot kernels, liquorice root, and ginger can help manage cough symptoms.
ENOK TCM Clinic specialises in addressing eczema, skin issues, digestive problems, and dry, acute or chronic coughs. Our experienced mother-son team offers personalised care through comprehensive TCM methods like herbal medicine and acupuncture. With our focus on overall well-being, we ensure safe and effective TCM solutions personalised to each patient’s needs. Our approach emphasises patient education, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health journey. Through ongoing support and guidance, we strive to promote long-term wellness and vitality for all our patients.
My child suffered from eczema in Feb 2023 and has seen western doctor, skin specialist at government hospital and TCM before we went to Enok Clinic. We found Enok clinic through google search and decided to give it a try. Our first visit to the clinic was 31 Jan 2024 and after seeing Dr Wang for 2.5 months, my child’s eczema is under control. Dr Wang’s medicine and cream is really effective plus following her advice to keep to a strict diet and lifestyle really helps a lot. We are glad that we made the right decision to visit Enok Clinic. The only regret we have is not discovering Enok Clinic earlier so we will not have wasted 1 year in seeing various doctors and ways to cure my child’s eczema.
First found Dr Wang via Google search back in 2019 as a desperate measure after having no luck with western medicine for months. I had a sorethroat and cough that no western medicine could fully get rid of. Having seen Dr Wang, she gave me lifestyle tips to correct contributing factors, and her medicine was very effective. Since going to her, I have never gone to see a Western doctor. Her medicine is always effective and she gives useful tips to prevent problems from recurring. It has been 5 years and she’s still my go to doctor for everything. She has treated my sprained ankle, seasonal flu, eczema and strained muscle problems. Have referred her to my friends.
The condition of my eczema improved significantly after few weeks of medication and proper diet. Condition is well under control.
I’ve suffered from Hives for more than 10yrs, snd was on daily antihistamine. (2 tabs 3x daily). My dermatologist even suggested biologics to control my condition which i declined.
Sometimes, my condition got so severe that people around me will ask what happened to my face/ body even after taking antihistamines
1month ago, my friend recommended me to Enok TCM. She shared that her teenage son has eczema and has seen improvements after seeing Dr Enoch.
I’m one who dislike the smell and taste of tcm but the condition irritated me so much that i decided to give TCM a shot
Dr Noah and Dr Esther are wonderful! They were very patient to explain my condition and share treatment plans.
As a nurse, i understand that TCM works differently from western medicine. Unlike western medicine which does more symptomatic relieve. TCM take time to see full effect where it focuses on “servicing” the overhauled body back to working condition through use of herbs.
My hives condition has improved tremendously! It’s no longer as itchy and occurrence of red, angry wheals have decreased significantly. The treatment has benefited me in other ways as well, i feel more energetic and my chronic constipation (since childhood) has also improved.
The cost of treatment is quite reasonable too. My visit to a dermatologist specialist easily cost $200 including medication which could only provide symptomatic itch relieve, but wheals remain. For the similar price, i have observed significant itch relieve and reduction of wheals occurrence.
So i highly recommend Enok for anyone who wish to seek TCM treatment.
I was having eczema for few weeks which i never had before, it was on my face, very itchy and I couldn’t sleep well. Have seen western doctor for two weeks but was not able to find the cause. Got recommended by a friend to ENOK, doctor is very friendly and nice, explained to me what might be the root cause, advise me on my diet and lifestyle. I recovered fully in three days after taking the medicine, now I’m being more careful not to take my allergy cause.
I had rashes on my face and arms that did not go away for more than one year. Steroid and tacrolimus creams that dermatologists prescribed did not resolve root problem of my rashes and itch; I often get flare ups and redness during this period. Was very thankful to have found Enok TCM clinic and Physician Liu. Besides the meds he prescribed, he also gave a lot of advices on changes that I need to make in my lifestyle. I was ‘discharged’ after 3 visits. Totally recommend people with skin/eczema issue to check them out.
During the consultation, our physician may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of the cough. Contact us today to start your recovery journey from acute or chronic cough.
We approach coughs by identifying the root cause of the symptoms. Using a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications, we aim to balance the body's Qi and promote natural healing processes. Our holistic approach ensures comprehensive and personalised care for chronic cough.
Herbal medicine can play an essential role in addressing coughs. With customised herbal formulas, you might be able to address specific symptoms and underlying imbalances. These herbs could potentially help to reduce inflammation, clear phlegm, and strengthen the respiratory system. Our herbal remedies are tailored to each patient's needs for effective TCM cough treatment in Singapore.
Acupuncture can be effective for cough treatment. It helps regulate Qi's flow, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Targeting specific acupuncture points can manage cough symptoms and promote overall respiratory health. These acupuncture treatments are also effective in TCM gastric reflux treatments and TCM for hives. For coughs, dry coughs, and coughs with phlegm, TCM treatments like acupuncture are a key component of our holistic care.
The timeframe for observing results from TCM cough treatments is diverse and contingent upon individual conditions and treatment responses. While certain patients may notice improvements after a few sessions, others may require a more extended treatment period for noticeable relief. For comprehensive insights, consulting with a qualified professional is recommended.
Yes, TCM treatments at ENOK TCM Clinic can be safely combined with conventional medicine, even for acute, chronic, or dry coughs and coughs with phlegm. The same approach is also effective for TCM eczema treatment. Our practitioners work collaboratively with patients to ensure a holistic approach that complements existing treatments.
