Asthma, (Lung Conditions)

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asthma, lung conditions

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ASTHMA (LUNG CONDITIONS) due to allergies. This condition is caused by an excessive amount of mucous (inflammation) or irritants (pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, textiles, detergents, petrochemicals, air pollution, smoke) in your lungs and airways. This usually starts with a cough, short shallow inhalations and exhalations which diminishes the amount of oxygen taken into your body, and a decrease of toxins expelled from your body causing wheezing, breathlessness, some times sweating and an increase in your heart rate. This can also be accompanied by a sense of constriction or tightening in the chest (bronchospasms), leading to moderate to severe emotional stress, anxiety and fear which can seem like a life threatening experience.

Self Help – For emergency relief, western medicine has done a good job utilizing a number of inhalers, but if symptoms do not subside, please call 911 and/or go to the ER. Some individuals have found natural relief with thyme or mullein tea, eucalyptus steam, or taking a cold shower (burr) but these suggestions are on a very individualized basis.

For long term relief, it is suggested that you learn to breathe through your nose. This may take some time to learn but it is well worth it. The nose and sinus cavities are part of the body's air filtration system which helps to reduce dust, mold, pollen, etc. that enter your lungs. If you bi-pass this important system, by breathing through your mouth, all of those particles end up overloading your lungs with irritants. To strengthen and harmonize the nasal/lung relationship - - 1. Implement (on a daily basis) a routine program of abdominal diaphragmatic breathing which will start to strengthen your diaphragm and intracostal muscles. By listening to tapes/CD's or particpating in a breathwork program, you will learn how to change your breathing from shallow, short inhalations/exhalations through your mouth to slow, controlled breathing through your NOSE (on a conscious level). In time (or subconsciously), this practice will harmonize your nervous system and become automatic, effortless and second nature. Please be patient with yourself, it may take weeks, or months but you can do it! 2.Check the pH of your body with litmus paper (saliva, urine). Your body is approximately 70% water, and its pH should be within the range of 6.5-7.4. Anything over 7.4 indicates that your body is in an acid state and most bacteria and viruses thrive in this type of environment. Eating too many acid forming foods (ie. foods that are not water based, proteins, some carbohydrates, etc.) will increase the growth of unwanted bacteria/viruses causing mucous, infection and inflammation within your cells. (See Congestion, Nasal to help you with removing mucous from your sinuses, etc.) 3. Elimination diet. Some asthmatics can be allergic to foods, or what is in or has happened to them in the growing, preserving and transporting process. Our foods have been exposed to dyes, steroids, antibiotics, chemicals, pesticides along the way and our bodies some times react in many different ways to these substances (rashes, diarrhea, cold like symptoms, etc.). Start an elimination diet with white rice and vegetables, gradually add different foods and see what your body likes and dosen't like, (keep a journal). Then you will learn what to avoid...Again this procedure is very individualized and can only be done by you. 4. Air quality - this is becoming more of a big problem both indoors and outdoors. For indoors - purchase a hepa air purification system with carbon filters and put it, at least, in your bedroom. Be careful of the ionic filters (check the net for their possible side effects). Also eliminate the dust mites excrement in your bed linens by either washing them in hot water, (180 degrees) and/or by covering pillows, mattresses with dust mite protectors. Carpeting is great for collecting and hiding dust mites, dust and dirt and should be removed especially from your bedroom. If you have carpeting, purchase a vacuum cleaner with hepa filters. Clean your home with non-aerosol, natural products. (ie. white distilled vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, natural biodegradeable soaps) For outdoors - use a cloth mask with a carbon filter. 5. Anxiety, stress and your emotions (fear) - play a major component in this condition and increases your symptoms. Find a practice that you enjoy. Meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi, any mindfulness practice that calms your mind, body, and spirit. Over time these modalities will assist in slowing your response to your asthma, give you confidence about your ability to take control of your breath, and help to reduce your anxiety, stress and fear. You will begin to enjoy your breath and see it as an avenue for relaxation and peace. It works!!!! 6. Addiction... our bodies are very addictive entities (ie coffee, alcohol, food, sex,etc). As you see yourself taking gradual control of your breath, you may notice that the use of your medications are diminishing. Gradually taper off those medications with the assistance of your health care professional. Many of those medications have side effects of hyperventilation, headaches, tachycardia, nervousness, etc. 7. Sleep - be good to yourself and get 8-10 hours of good sleep nightly. 8. Exercise - find something you really enjoy doing (yoga, tia chi, qi gong, are all very good for learning how to control your breath); however, any other exercise is encourage, walking, hiking, bicycling, (these activities actually strengthen the muscles of your lungs). Start off slow and gradually work your way to your desired distance. 9. Potassium - most inhalers deplete your system of potassium, pls consume more potassium rich foods, or add supplements to your diet. Always consult your healthcare professional for guidance throughout your program. PLEASE REMEMBER the treatment of allergies and asthma is VERY individualized. Allergies are very complexed. Each adverse effect of a pollen, food, herb, dust mite is difference and unique to each person and complicated to treat. Keep a journal for reference and share this information with your health care professional.

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Abdominal Breathing

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Alternative Therapy	Suggestions
Acupuncture	For allergic asthma (increased white blood cells) needling at UB13 (Fei Shu), LU5 (Chi Ze), LU7 (Lie Que), ST40 (Feng Long), Ren 22 (Tian Tu), and an extra point of Ding Chaun decreases white blood cell levels. (Acidocytes)
Ayurveda (India)	Treatment for this condition includes diet, exercise (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, pilates to strengthen and tone muscles), nutritional supplements, reduction of toxins in the body and lifestyle changes. Tumeric, Tulsi (ocimum sanctum) are anti-inflammatories and have anti-allergic properties, Vasaka (justicia adhatoda) is a bronchodilator. This combined with guduci, kantakari and mixed with honey is a good decoction. Lobelia and ephedra will quickly open breathing passages. Each dosha must follow their own specific dosha diet. After attacks lungs may can be strengthened with chyavan, prash, bala, ahwagandha, haritaki, brahmi. Some have found relief by inhaling the scent of honey when experiencing asthma symptoms!!
Food Therapy/ Nutrition	Diet and Nutrition are very important in controlling and eliminating allergies/asthma. Strengthen your immune system by #2 & #3 above. Balance essential fatty acids (cold water fish), add brazil nuts for selenium (2 per day), add fresh pineapple (Quercetin). Avoid: caffeine, alcohol. tobacco, sugar, some dyes,all preservatives. Additionally some may have adverse reactions to foods: all dairy, especially ice cream. You may or may not be allergic to the ice cream itself but perhaps the artifical food coloring and flavoring that has been added. Other sources that could cause an adverse reaction could be wheat, eggs, soy, steroids and antibiotics injected in meats, mercury, lead and other metals found in fish or the mercury fillings in your teeth. A good detoxifier of heavy metals is cilantro. Sources of Vitamin B5 (panthothenic acid) are: meats, liver, whole grains (in the outer layers of the whole grains), rice, wheat brans, alfalfa, peanut meal, molasses, yeasts, coldwater fish ovaries, royal jelly. Eat potassium and magnesium rich foods. (See Nutrition section under High Blood pressure) Natural Odor Eliminator - 1/2 real orange, squeezed and added to a spray bottle filled with water. First remove the burnt item from the house and then spray liberally. This combination will remove the inherent smells associated with smoke, something that has burned on the stove, etc. without irritating the asthmatic. Its GREAT !!!..
Herbology, Western	Teas or tinctures: thyme, mullein. ephedra, marshmallow, slippery elm, passion flower, indian tobacco (or lobelia), capsaicin (cayenne pepper), skunk cabbage helps relax muscular spasms, loosens phlegm and relieves tension. gunweed, horse chestnut, jujube plus, chamomile, ma huang, eucalyptus. Gumplant, elecampane, euphorbia with thyme, grindelia, senega. wild yam, licorice root. Valerian root for anxiety.
Holistic	Some asthmatics are dehydrated. Make certain that you drink at least 8 glasses of quality water (or more) per day. Add a small amount (pinch) of unrefined sea salt to a few of those glasses of water; also you can add a small amount of liquid oxygen to your water, and then research and implement magnetic therapy if you so choose. Hydrotherapy works well: hot fomentations to the chest, with hot foot baths with the head kept cool and cover the body with cotton blankets. Bathe: Add 12-16 ounces of unstabilized hydrogen peroxide to a warm bath (98-102 degrees) and soak for 15 minutes. Rest afterwards. Use a humidifier in your bedroom (1 ounce of unstabilized hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon of distilled water). This will increase the oxygen in your room during the night. Lung pain - warm castor oil packs to the applicable area (45 min. to an hour or more). This will give you wonderful relief.
Homeopathy	Arsenicum alb., Aconite, Carbo veg., Kali carb., Natrum sulf., Pulsatilla, Ipecacuahna, Hepar sulf., Animonium tart., Psorinum, Silica, Spongia. All remedies are based on specific associated symptoms.
Kinesiology	Some asthma/allergies are complicated by stress or trauma. Muscle testing helps to evaluate this condition, which can sometimes determine a malfunction of either the adrenal or pituitary glands. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), potassium and sodium support the adrenals, and the pituitary gland may need Gota Kola, Vitamin E or a product called GH Release.
Mind, Body, Spirit	Body scan meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Massages, any mindfulness practice that you enjoy that will put you, your breath and nervous system into a relaxed, calm and peaceful state. Breathwork is very important, and there are many differnt exercises program available. Choose the one that is right for you. These practices can become very addictive and you will love how they make you feel and want to experience it more, and more!!! Other effective modalities are music and sound therapy, reflexology, hydrotheray, aromatherapy, Bach remedies, osteopathy, Alexander Technique, and Chiropractic therapy. Take at least ten minutes per day to connect with your spirit through whatever modality you choose. Have you ever heard of a Buddist monk having asthma? Or have you had an asthma attack while listening to your favorite tunes.. Probably not.. Take the time to learn how to nourish and love your mind, body and spirit.
Naturopathic	Normal Respirations per/minute for adults: 12-24 (at rest)???; Vitamin C. Quercetin (found in onions, pineapple), betacarotene, selenium (found in brazil nuts) manganese. Vitamin B complex. Quercetin Plus. Zinc. Limit the amount of sugar and carohydrate intake during the day. Magnesium - some believe that asthmatics are magnesium deficient. Glutathione, colloidal silver.
Traditional Chinese Medicine	Eastern philosophy believes that lung conditions are usually associated with unresolved grief. Formulas: Ding Chuan Wan, Er Chen Wan, Ma Hsing Chih Ke Pien, Ping Chuan Pills, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, Bu-Fei-Tang, Jade Windscreen, Bi Yan Pian and more depending upon your type. Eat: apricot seeds.

* Disclaimer: The information found in this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The suggestions on this site are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Before implementing any of these suggestions, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare practitioner for an evaluation and treatment plan. Every person’s chemistry is different (i.e. DNA, blood type, and chemistry) and the way someone reacts to a suggestion may be different from another.