Asthma - Alternative Treatment

Many people have reported success with alternative asthma treatments, but even advocates recommend these methods only as complements to conventional therapies. Remember: Once diagnosed, asthma should be monitored by a physician, and serious episodes always require conventional medical attention.

ACUPRESSURE

Applying gentle pressure to certain body points may help relieve some of the discomfort of asthma. Reaching over your left shoulder with your right hand, press firmly on the part of your back in between the left shoulder blade and spine; take five deep breaths, then repeat on the other side. Or put your fists on your chest, thumbs pointing upward, and feel for the sensitive spot next to the breastbone, just underneath the collarbone. Press firmly for two minutes.

Acupuncture

Several medical studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate the symptoms of asthma. The procedure should be carried out only by a licensed acupuncturist.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils such as eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), lavender (Lavandula offici; nalis), pine (Pinus sylvestris), and rosemary (Ros-marinus officinalis) may help ease breathing and relieve nasal congestion. Inhaled through the nose, a few drops of one of the oils or a mixture of several dabbed on a handkerchief or tissue can help ease breathing during a mild episode of asthma. If you feel congested at other times (not during an episode), mix a few drops of essential oil in a sink full of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the fragrant steam through your nose.

Chinese Herbs

The Chinese herb ephedra (Ephedra sinica) is a potent bronchodilator. Caution: Large quantities of this herb can have the same effect as large quantities of epinephrine; do not use it if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Prepare an infusion by combining 5 grams ephedra, 4 grams cinnamon sticks (Cinnamomum cassia), 1.5 grams licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and 5 grams apricot seed (Prunus armeniaca). Steep the mixture in cold water, then bring to a boil. Drink it hot.

Herbal Therapies

Elecampane (Inula helenium), a root that acts as a soothing expectorant, may help clear the body of excess mucus. To prepare an infusion, shred the root to yield 1 tsp and add a full cup of cold water; let the infusion stand for 10 hours, then strain and drink it hot three times daily. An infusion made from mullein (Uerbascum thapsus) is recommended for soothing the mucous membranes, especially during nighttime episodes.

Homeopathy

Homeopaths offer a variety of treatments for asthma symptoms. Following are just a few: To help calm restlessness and anxiety, take Arsenicum album (30c) as required.

For symptoms that worsen at night or during cold weather, or that come on very suddenly, take Aconite (6c) as required. For symptoms exacerbated by dampness, take Natrum sulphuricum (6c) as required. For more remedies, consult a licensed homeopath.

Reflexology

Massage the skin between the big toe and second toe on both feet; this area is said to correspond to your throat and lungs. Then, flexing so the toes are spread apart, massage the ball of the foot, the area said to correspond to the lungs and chest.

Yoga

Yoga can help you learn to breathe deeply and to relax, thereby helping you deal more effectively with stress, a common trigger for asthma.

Prevention

Learn to identify your triggers: Keep a diary detailing all the environmental and emotional factors that affect you every day over the course of several months. When you have an asthma attack, go back to your diary to see which factor, or combination of factors, might have contributed to it.

Monitor the shifts in your lung capacity at home using a peak flow meter, a device that your doctor can prescribe for you. Alerted to reductions in your ability to exhale, you can take precautions and lessen the severity of an asthma episode.

Avoid foods and drinks that have high concentrations of sulfites, such as wine vinegar, instant tea, grape juice, lemon juice, grapes, fresh shrimp, pizza dough, dried fruits (such as apricots and apples), canned vegetables, instant potatoes, corn syrup, fruit topping, and molasses. Some nutritionists recommend that you also steer clear of foods that cause excess mucus production, such as milk.

A daily dose of B-complex vitamins (50 to 100 mg) and magnesium (400 to 600 mg) may help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma episodes.

Source : Alternative Medicine

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