Any cough persisting for more than 8 weeks in adults, or more than 4 weeks for children, is considered chronic. A chronic cough is more than just a nuisance; it can cause serious disruptions to your health.
Coughing attacks during the night tend to interrupt sleep, resulting in day-time fatigue and drowsiness. Episodes can also result in vomiting, dizziness, headaches, urinary incontinence, loss of consciousness, and rib fractures.
Smoking, post nasal drip, asthma and acid reflux are the most common causes, followed by chronic bronchitis, the flu, pneumonia, whooping cough, and certain blood pressure medications. Although less likely, lung cancer or cystic fibrosis can lead to a chronic cough as well. Signs and symptoms may include runny nose, constant need to clear the throat, difficulty breathing, sour taste in the mouth, or spitting up blood or sputum.
When treating a chronic cough, it is important to address the root cause, as it is known according to the philosophy of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Once the underlying cause is cleared up, the chronic cough clears up too. However, no matter what organs need rebalancing to address the root cause, treatment focuses on the lungs.
Uncontrollable coughing represents a characteristic known as ‘rebellious Qi.’ Qi is the most fundamental energy essential for all forms of life and when it is unruly, Qi flows in the wrong direction, causing health problems. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help soothe your cough and eliminate risk factors that contribute to a chronic cough such as smoking or acid reflux.
Reducing chemical dependencies helps reduce a patient’s craving and assists the body in detoxifying harmful substances. In the case of acid reflux, acupuncture treatments can help the stomach from forcing digestive juices upwards. As the acid reflux subsides, chronic coughing should also lessen.
Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.
Proper Nutrition, Herbs, Acupuncture, and Homeopathic remedies are the tools Dr. Boxer utilizes to allow the body to heal itself and find its way back to balance. She is dedicated to helping her patients find “Radiant Health and Well-Being.”
3301 Ocean Park Blvd.
Suite 201
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-9711
