Asthma

Christen Peattie, HHP

© 2009 Christen Peattie, Green Heart Health, LLC

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition distinguished by difficult breathing, frequent coughing, wheezing, a feeling of suffocation, tightness in the chest, and violent coughing attacks.

The bronchi become plugged with thick mucus and the walls of the bronchi contract and spasm.

The attacks can last from several minutes to a few days and can be fatal if not attended to immediately.

Causes

Asthma may be caused by a variety of factors

An infection in the respiratory tract Emotional stresses and strains Hypersensitivity to certain inhaled or ingested

substances such as odors, pollen, animal hair, dust Certain foods (eggs, milk, oranges, wheat products,

or chocolate are common food allergens) Drugs such as aspirin or penicillin Poor nutrition and elimination can also be factors

Allergens

Decreases nourishment on a major level

Increases the antigen load on the immune system - increasing the possibility of other allergies

Increases the likelihood of asthma.

Food allergens can be causing a leaky gut reaction which is a decrease in gastric acid output.

Overview

This ailment can affect every part of a person’s life

Boosting the immune system can help prevent some attacks

Treating the condition with complementary and natural techniques can be helpful

Short and long term improvements can be made with some basic lifestyle changes

Herbal remedies

Brochiodiolators and some mild expectorants

Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) Lobelia inflata (lobelia Allium family (onions and garlic) Tylophora asthmatica (tylophora) Ginko biloba (ginko)

Antioxidants help boost the immune system Free radicals and other oxidizing agents have

been found to stimulate bronchial constriction and increase reactivity to outside agents

Flavonoids in particular have been shown to enhance pulmonary function Ginko biloba Grape seed extract Green tea extract

Herbal remedies

Homeopathy Several different formulas can help, but they depend on

the individual constitution and symptoms of the sufferer Some examples of specific formulas for asthma

Hepar Sulphide for asthma that improves in damp conditions

Natrum Sulphate for asthma that is worse in damp conditions and associated with early-morning diarrhea

Homeopathy is energy healing at a basic level - the particular formulas help a person find physical and mental balance and allow adjustment for many situations

There are many formulas that are extremely helpful for asthma attacks and prevention. Please see a certified homeopath for a consult to find some help with this wonderful natural therapy.

Eastern theory dictates that malfunctions occur in the body when the flow of energy stagnates and the blood congeals; blocking the energy channels. The result is pain, disability, emotional anxiety and many western diseases.

Pressure point therapy

Acupuncture or Acupressure Eliminates energy channel blockages Can relieve current symptoms Tones lymph system to better eliminate toxins

from body that may be causing the asthma attacks

Pressure point therapy

Manipulating a pressure point Apply continuous pressure to an acupoint without moving the

fingers or thumb Use the pads or tips of the fingers to apply light pressure Use the thumb to apply heavy pressure to a small area

Particular points may relieve asthma symptoms Joining Valley “Great Eliminator” - Large Intestine 4 Central Treasury “Lung” - Lung 1 Chest Center “Emotion Ocean” - Vessel of Conception 17

“Great Eliminator”

Large Intestine 4 is located on the hand in the middle of the triangular web between the thumb and index finger. Press at the end of the crease, into the mound and against the hand bone of the index finger.

Aids in the elimination of the bowels, also relieves congestion and pain. Greatly

boosts the immune system.

“Lung”

Lung 1 is located on the chest one thumb width below the midpoint on the collarbone in a muscle separation, between ribs. To find the midpoint , put hand on hip, move shoulder forward, the triangular hollow under the collar bone is the midpoint.

Used to benefit the

lungs and to improve the

flow of surface energy

circulation.

“Emotion Ocean”

Vessel of Conception 17 is located on the sternum in the middle of the breast. It is found in a hollow on the midline of the breast bone, at the level of the nipples.

Used to calm emotional

energy, improve

respiration and regulate vital energy.

Lifestyle modifications Avoid food additives and intake of known toxins (ie.

Smoking) Stress relief

Improves psyche and ability to cope Regular daily exercise Focus on cardiovascular and abdominals Increases immune system strength

Breathing manipulation Improves lung function and capacity Shallow breathing can create a cycle of oxygen loss

and increase asthma symptoms

Diet modifications

Elimination diets have been successful in relieving asthma

Removing known allergens from daily intake

Honing down the possible culprits one week at a time

A Vegan diet (no animal products)

Raw food has many enzymes that more efficiently break down food to nourish cells

Alters your metabolism Increases antioxidants

and magnesium Provides total elimination

of most food allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, corn, soy…)

Sources

www.mothernature.com/.../books/46/3.cfm

> From the Rodale book, New Choices in Natural Healing for Women: Breath Work

Healthyself Handbook, Student Edition; Turk, Micheal; Acu Press; Chico, CA; 1995.

The Family Guide to Homeopathy; Lockie, Andrew; Simon and Schuster; New York, NY; 1993

http://www.acuxo.com 1)http://www.acuxo.com/meridianPictures.asp?point=CV17&meridian=Conception%20Vessel 2)http://www.acuxo.com/meridianPictures.asp?point=LI4&meridian=Large%20Intestine

3)http://www.acuxo.com/meridianPictures.asp?point=LU1&meridian=Lung

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd edition; Murray, Michael and Pizzorno, Joseph; Random House, Inc; New York, NY; 1998.