Asthma Physiology and Natural Support Options

1. AsthmaPhysiology and Natural Support Options Catherine Oshin Nat 307 Module 11 Discuss the physiology of asthma. What natural support options are available?

2. Disclaimer • “Thisinformation 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”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Allergy induced asthma http://www.rainbowskill.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/asthma1.jpg

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. http://sibyleyes.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/chakra4heart3.jpghttp://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.

14. 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

15. 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 back-bending poses open the heart, or lung, chakra. Image from http://www.adelaideyoga.com.au/asanas.php

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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:

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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-Essential-Oils-for-Asthma last accessed 1.19.2011 • http://www.tcmpage.com/hpasthma.html • Last Accessed 1.19.2011, great info on acupuncture