Asthma
Free Business Offer...
click here.. |
|
It's the most vital thing that you do each day,
yet you don't even think about it. Unless you're one of the 12 million
Americans with asthma-then you don't take breathing for granted.
Asthma's wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest are caused
by an inflammation of the bronchioles, the tubes that carry air
within the lungs. During an asthma attack, this swelling worsens,
and the bronchial tubes narrow. Asthma can also make mucus glands
work overtime, producing a thick, sticky fluid that congests the
airways.
Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies. Strong emotions
such as fear and anxiety can also kick off an attack. See a doctor
if you think you have asthma. But the natural remedies in this chapter-in
conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor's approval-may
provide relief, according to some health professionals.
|
| |
|
See Your Medical Doctor When...
· You need to use medication more frequently or in larger
doses.
· You have severe difficulty breathing or are experiencing
an asthma attack that you cannot control.
|
| |
| Acupressure |
|
A couple of minutes of firm pressure on the upper
chest can help relieve asthma and breathing problems, says Michael
Reed Gach, Ph.D., director of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley,
California, and author of Acupressure's Potent Points. He suggests
pressing the Lu 1 points to breathe easier. To find these points,
also named Letting Go, make fists in front of your chest with your
thumbs pointing up, says Dr. Gach. Place your thumbs on the outer
portion of your chest, pressing on the muscles that run horizontally
below your collarbone. You'll find a sensitive, knotted spot on
each side of your chest. Underneath each spot is Lu 1. (If you have
difficulty locating these points, see the illustration on page 564.)
Dr. Gach says to let your head hang forward, then breathe slowly
and deeply as you press the points with your thumbs for two minutes.
|
| |
| Imagery |
|
When asthma strikes, close your eyes, breathe
out three times and imagine yourself standing next to a pine tree.
As you breathe out, feel the exhalation spread throughout your body
down to the soles of your feet. Envision each breath leaving your
body as gray smoke that will be buried deep in the earth. After
three to five minutes of this exercise, open your eyes and breathe
easily.
|
| |
| Juice Therapy |
|
Because they contain compounds that relax the
bronchial muscles and prevent spasms, onions have long been used
in the treatment of asthma. Blending two ounces of onion juice with
two ounces of carrot juice and two ounces of parsley juice, then
drinking this blend twice each day. Use this remedy in conjunction
with proper medical treatment.
|
| |
| Yoga |
|
Yoga breathing exercises are a powerful tool
against asthma, according to ACHARYA JI, He says that they strengthen
and relax the muscles that you use to breathe, which reduces nerve
activity in your airways, helping them constrict less during an
asthma attack.
The complete breath is one of the best breathing exercises for asthma,
says ACHARYA JI. He suggests doing the exercise for at least five
minutes daily, which will help you breathe more deeply and slowly
all day long. She adds that several poses, performed daily, will
also help with asthma, including the standing sun, knee squeeze,
seated sun and cobra.
|
