Asthma is a chronic medical condition related to difficulty in breathing. In this condition the bronchial tubes that passes the oxygen to lungs, narrow down severely leading to instant obstruction in the air passageway. It is categorized into allergic and non-allergic types. Allergic asthma makes up for 80% of the asthmatic cases.
Most of the people who suffer from asthma depend on medications like Asthalin whenever an asthma attack seems imminent. However, since it is largely a permanent condition, many people are exploring and turning to alternative treatments for it. In this feature, we will introduce various facets of these alternative treatments.
Best Alternative Treatments For Asthma
Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatments are very safe and usually devoid of any side effects. However, you must consult your physician if you are on any medication as some of them may interfere with the functioning of drugs. The main herbs that are used by asthma patients for relieving the symptoms like breathlessness are Eucalyptus, menthol oil and basil.
All the three herbs have a property that widens the air passageway almost immediately depending on the way it is being used. All the three are available in form of oil and fresh herbs. The best way to use them is to add them to heated water and inhaling the steam that may carry the vapors laden with these herbs or their oil. You can also place a cotton ball with 2-3 drops of oil near your pillow in the night in cases where you might feel that an asthma attack will take place.
Yoga
Yoga is a complete physical and mental regimen that progresses towards a healthy body and mind. Yoga has various aspects to it including breathing techniques. Every yoga posture tends to pay a lot of importance to the way a person breathes while practicing the poses. Regular practice of yoga lends a better control and depth in the usual breathing which can do a world of good.
Postures like Pranayam, Shavasana, Pavanmuktasana, Anuloma Vinloma and Sukhasana are specifically recommended for people suffering from asthma. This attack is compounded by the anxiety and yoga calms the nerves and helps in controlling panic attacks and anxiety. Therefore, this form of exercise is best suited for chronic asthma patients as it does not include intake of any substance and is safe.
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Buteyko Breathing Technique
This technique was conceived by a Ukrainian doctor Konstantin Butyeko. It is basically a therapy that involves controlling the breathing by increasing or slowing down its rate.
Though the opinions of medical community are mixed on the efficacy of this technique but many people around the world have reported that this therapy has helped them in bettering the control over their breathing. The theory underlying this therapy assumes hyperventilation to be the root cause of asthma and therefore suggests relaxation and deep breathing techniques for relieving the symptoms of asthma.
Acupuncture
This therapy involves pricking very tiny needles into certain specific points of the body to relieve various maladies. It is also gaining popularity among the asthma patients. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedial therapy that needs supervision of a qualified acupuncturist.In case of asthma, the needles are punctured in the lung channel to resume and maintain a healthy flow of air. The needles are very thin and do not cause pain. In some people, points on kidney and stomach may also be pricked as this therpay believes that certain asthmatic symptoms can arise on account of kidney and stomach issues.
Home Remedies
Various simple home remedies can prove to be effective and inexpensive treatment for asthma. Garlic and ginger tea or boiling these herbs in the milk can help in relieving asthma. Both of these herbs can discourage congestion in the lungs.Add a spoon of honey in steaming bowl of water. Inhaling the vapors is known to help as honey contains essential oils that open up the blocked air passageway. Eating and adding onions to your food preparation along with food rich in omega 3 fatty acids is also known to reduce the effects of irritants and inflammation in the air passage walls and bronchi.
