Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Opening the Way to Breathe with Traditional Korean Medicine

For Those Who Find Even Breathing a Burden

Hello, I am Representative Director Choi Yun-seung of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Hospital. Today, I would like to deliver a message of hope to those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Just breathing alone can bring vitality to our entire body, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often robs us of that precious breath. However, please do not lose heart. With the wisdom of Korean medicine that awakens the natural healing power within our bodies, we will wide open the path to breathing freely.

"Even just breathing makes my chest feel stuffy"

"Even just breathing makes me feel stuffy, and my chest feels like it might burst. Every time I cough, my whole body feels exhausted. I feel hopeless about having to live like this."

Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complain of daily inconveniences such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and phlegm. Climbing stairs becomes difficult, and falling asleep at night also becomes hard. This is how every day passes when even breathing is painful.

Progressive Aging of the Lungs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition that occurs when the bronchi inside the lungs narrow, causing airflow to become obstructed. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are typical examples. Smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure are cited as major causes. Genetic factors and the effects of aging also play a role. Symptoms are not obvious in the early stages, but they gradually progress and begin to interfere with daily life. Eventually, lung function declines significantly, sometimes leading to lifelong dependence on medication.

Lifestyle Habits, the Enemy Threatening the Lungs

The main culprit of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is our lifestyle habits. Cigarette smoke directly destroys alveoli and narrows the bronchi. Air pollutants also place a long-term burden on the lungs. Additionally, when continuously exposed to dust, chemicals, and gases, the bronchial mucosa becomes damaged, leading to chronic inflammation. The natural decline in lung function as we age is also one contributing factor. In this way, small habits in daily life come together to provide the opportunity for lung disease.

The Lungs from a Korean Medicine Perspective, the Source of Respiration

In Korean medicine, the lungs are considered the origin of Qi (氣). They receive the air we inhale and the vital energy contained within it, then distribute it throughout the body. The lungs are also connected to the nose, trachea, and bronchi, governing the respiratory function. When the lungs' Qi becomes deficient, they cannot block the invasion of external pathogenic factors (邪氣), making one susceptible to colds. Coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath appearing are also evidence that the lungs' energy has weakened. From this perspective, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be considered a type of deficiency pattern (虛證) that occurs due to weakened lung function.

Restoring Lung Function Through Qi (氣) Circulation

At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Hospital, we focus on restoring lung function for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The first goal is to awaken the lungs' energy through herbal medicine treatment and help patients regain normal respiratory function. We utilize lung-supporting herbal medicines to awaken the innate healing mechanisms. In addition, we proceed with treatments to eliminate bronchial inflammation and remove phlegm. We also guide improvement across all aspects of daily life, including respiratory rehabilitation exercises, smoking cessation, and dietary therapy, to enhance treatment effects. Promoting Qi circulation and restoring lung health—this is our treatment philosophy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Hospital.

Customized Prescriptions Based on 16 Years of Clinical Experience

I, Representative Director Choi Yun-seung, graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine and have dedicated myself to treating respiratory diseases for 16 years. Based on the clinical experience accumulated over this time, we provide customized prescriptions tailored to each patient's constitution and symptoms. We utilize various forms of herbal medicine including powdered herbs and decoctions, while also actively incorporating modern medical diagnostic techniques. By referencing pulmonary function tests and chest imaging, we make accurate diagnoses and maximize treatment effects by linking them with herbal medicine treatment. Above all, we place the greatest importance on communication with patients, thinking through and deciding the entire treatment process together. This is also my belief that understanding and trust for patients is the driving force behind treatment.

"Now breathing has become a joy"

"Breathing itself was always painful, but now I can breathe freely. I'm so happy that I can walk, run, and laugh. It feels like vitality is springing up in my life."

The patients who visited Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Hospital had varying ages and symptoms, but they were all of one mind in that they gained new lives through Korean medicine treatment.

Small Practices in Daily Life Protect the Lungs

Improving lifestyle habits is most important. First and foremost, smoking cessation must come first, and secondhand smoke should also be avoided. On days when air pollution is severe, going outside should be refrained from, and wearing a mask when going outside is recommended. Improving lung function through appropriate exercise, but overexertion is prohibited. Do not forget to build immunity through regular meals and balanced nutrition. Above all, we hope you will develop a habit of checking your lung health through regular medical examinations. These small efforts combined will help build healthy lungs.

The First Step Toward Healthy Breathing

"COPD, is treatment really possible?"

The wisdom of traditional Korean medicine gives a clear answer to such concerns. Traditional Korean treatment that maximizes the body's natural healing power and addresses the root cause can be the key to overcoming COPD. Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic is equipped with abundant clinical experience and cutting-edge medical systems, providing meticulous care for each and every patient. Now is the time when those who have been running out of breath need to catch their breath. How about taking that first step toward healthy breathing and a healthy life at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic?