Transcript Asthma
Asthma
Physiology and Natural
Support Options
Catherine Oshin
Nat 307 Module 11
Discuss the physiology of asthma. What
natural support options are available?
Disclaimer
“This information is for education
only and is not meant to diagnose,
treat or prescribe for any disease or
medical condition”
“Information on herbs and
supplements has not been evaluated
by the FDA”
Warnings
NEVER discontinue your asthma
medications without consulting your
physician
Always seek medical assistance during an
asthma attack that does not respond to home
treatment.
Asthma is a dangerous condition that thousands
people die from every year.
– Many people find that alternative therapies enhance
the effectiveness of or reduce the need for medication
What is Asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory and allergic condition
that causes tightening of the airways and
difficulty breathing.
– Intrinsic asthma: caused by allergens such as pollens,
animal dander, dust mites, roaches, or by food
allergies
– Extrinsic asthma: is non-seasonal and non-allergic,
caused by irritants such as cold air, paint and other
chemical vapors, or by exercise, emotional stress, or
temperature changes
Physiology
When an asthma attack is triggered, the
bronchioles inflame and swell, blocking
the passage of air
At the same time, the mucus lining the
respiratory system becomes thick and
excessive, further clogging airways
Allergy induced asthma
http://www.rainbowskill.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/asthma1.jpg
Allopathic treatments
Include avoiding irritants that might trigger an
asthma attack and using asthma medications,
such as bronchodilators, inhaled and oral
steroids, leukotriene inhibitors, and
antihistamines
– Because asthma often occurs amid other imbalances
such as allergic rhinitis, testing and treatment of
allergies are often used to support asthma
– Deep seated emotional disturbances may be treated
with counseling or medication
Lifestyle
Learn to cope with and avoid Stress! Possibly the most
important factor. Stress causes asthma and asthma
causes more stress because you feel you are choking.
Asthma should not keep you from living a normal life,
but good sense will help free you from some of asthma’s
challenges
– Don’t smoke! Avoid secondhand smoke
– Consider rescheduling outdoor activities when pollen
or smog levels are high.
– Limit or avoid indoor pets.
– Many people benefit from an air purifier and/or
humidifier in the bedroom
Diet and allergies
People with asthma should try to isolate and
avoid any food allergens
– Consider avoiding or limiting major food allergens
including wheat, eggs, dairy, peanuts, chocolate, and
food additives, colors or preservatives
Be sure to get plenty of fresh, whole, and
organic foods including vegetables, fruit,
legumes, grains, and nuts
Avoid milk and dairy products, as well as
excessive grains and sugars, which can all
increase mucus production
Nutrition
Bioflavonoids, quercetin, Vitamin C are all helpful
in moderating the allergic response and
supporting the immune and circulatory system
Vitamins A, B-complex, D, and E are also
supportive
Foods high in manganese are beneficial to
support asthmatic conditions
Avoid possible complications of hypoglycemia by
eating smaller more frequent meals
Alternative Therapies
Include but are not limited to physical and
breathing exercises like yoga, qi-gong,
and tai chi
All forms of meditation, energy healing,
and emotional release methods are helpful
Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine,
and modern Aromatherapy have unusual
but effective approaches to asthma
Chakra healing
The
lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, the part of the body
referred to as the “heart chakra” in ayurvedic medicine.
Chakras are seven energy centers within the body that each have a
certain vibration and are associated with the seven colors.
Each chakra corresponds to a set of body parts, nerves, an
endocrine gland, and certain mental and emotional activities.
Chakras can be balanced or enhanced with color and sound
therapy or meditation.
The heart chakra should be bright glowing green and is the seat of
emotional security and trust.
I find it useful to focus on chakra colors and energy during any
meditation oriented bodywork; yoga, tai chi, qi-gong, massage etc.
http://sibyleyes.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/chakra4heart3.jpg
Mandalla-like glowing images made to correspond to each of
the seven chakras, can be used therapeutically.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, uses
acupuncture, herbs, and tai chi (breathing)
exercises to treat the entire person
In TCM asthma is seen as a weakness in the
kidneys as well as the lungs.
– Asthma is also treated differently during or between
attacks, and there are different treatments
corresponding to the changes in season
Although TCM is traditional many of the methods
have been supported by recent scientific
research
YOGA
Besides providing
useful breathing
exercises, or
Pranayama, that
strengthen the lung,
Yoga provides poses
like the Camel, shown
here, that help to open
and restore the lungs.
In yoga all backbending poses open
the heart, or lung,
chakra.
Image from http://www.adelaideyoga.com.au/asanas.php
Herbal support
For respiratory and allergic response (antispasmodics
and bronchodilators, expectorants, histamine blockers)
– Nettle, hyssop, anise, cayenne, fenugreek, horseradish, lobelia,
licorice, onion, parsley, mullein, slippery elm, pleurisy root, and
valerian
For immune function antimicrobial herbs treat infection
– Echinacea, Goldenseal Pau d’Arco, Burdock, Elecampane, Garlic,
Eucalyptus
For nervous or emotionally rooted asthma
– Valerian, chamomile, lavender, and vervain are mild nervines
Herbal methods
Garlic and onion juice can be made into a
concentrated tea with honey and taken by the
spoonful
Steam inhalations can be useful if steam does not
irritate or trigger an attack in the patient
use herbs like Eucalyptus, Sage, Mullein, Lemon, Lavender,
and Thyme together or singly
add about one handful herbs to one quart of boiling water.
Remove from heat source! Bend over the steam, covering
your head with a towel making a tent to catch the steam.
Breath regularly and do not bring your face too close to the
steaming surface. Stay for 10-20 minutes inhaling the steam.
essential oils can also be used. 1-2 drops per steam
Aromatherapy
Can be complementary to other asthma treatments, and
can help ease mild symptoms
Many essential oils have calming, antispasmodic, and
bronchodilating effects
It is suggested to use the oils topically, dilutes in a
carrier oil, over the chest, or feet on individual prone to
respiratory distress because the inhaled molecules may
trigger a reaction
Many people use eucalyptus to clear breathing but it
may worsen symptoms in some asthma patients and is
not recommended
See following for recipes and recommended oils:
Quoted from an article online at *
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), which has a warming effect and anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic and sedative properties.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteii), which has an uplifting effect; it has anti-inflammatory
and expectorant properties.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), which has a comforting effect and antispasmodic
properties.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), which has a warming effect and expectorant and stimulant
properties.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), which has a calming effect and anti-inflammatory and
sedative properties.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana), which has a warming effect and antispasmodic
properties.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), which has a refreshing effect and antispasmodic,
decongestant and expectorant properties.
Rose (Rosa damascena), which has a relaxing effect and antispasmodic and sedative
properties.
Combine the selected essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil, sweet almond
oil, soy oil or grapeseed oil, and rub it on the chest to relieve tightness. Using 20 mL of the
carrier oil, add 10 drops of the essential oil for a 2.5 percent solution, or 5 drops for a 1
percent solution.
One possible adult remedy involves adding five drops of each of the following: Thyme
linalol (Thymus vulgaris), honey myrtle (Myrtus vulgaris), ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)
Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobile) in a carrier oil of 10 ml of Echinacea-infused oil and
15 ml of cold-pressed peach kernel oil. Rub the oils on the neck and chest twice a day.
* http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Aromatherapy-Essential-Oils-for-Asthma
The goal is control
Asthma is a lifelong, and life threatening
condition. Though it will never go away,
with a little extra effort and foresight, an
asthma patient can live a normal life
without daily symptoms.
Doctors use many medications to control
asthma, but complementary protocols may
enhance their effectiveness and reduce
the need for medication.
References
Thibodeau and Patton, “Structure and Function
of the Body”, 13th ed. 2008, p360-389
Shiland, Betsy. “Mastering Healthcare
Terminology.” 3rd ed. 2010. Elsevier Press. St.
Louis
ACHS Nat 307 class materials
http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Aromatherapy-EssentialOils-for-Asthma last accessed 1.19.2011
http://www.tcmpage.com/hpasthma.html
– Last Accessed 1.19.2011, great info on acupuncture