Holistic Help for Asthma

Asthma affects 25 million people in the United States. This equates to 8% of adults and 7% of children. The "hygiene hypothesis," which states that over-sanitizing a child's environment might lead to diminished disease resistance and immunological function, is mostly to blame for the rise in asthma. As a result, the prevalence of asthma and allergies has grown. Poor nutrition as a result of the Standard American Diet, increased urban air pollution, airborne pollens, energy-proofing of indoor home/work/school spaces, and antibiotic abuse are all possible causes.

Asthma can be treated in a variety of methods, the most common of which is using traditional drugs and therapies, both short and long term.

Short-term asthma therapies include the use of inhalers, nebulizer therapy, and orally delivered medicines to provide immediate relief from asthma attacks.

Long-term asthma treatments include a combination of treatments that analyze environmental factors and the surrounding environment in order to reduce the elements that cause asthma episodes. To lower the likelihood of an asthma attack, pollen grains, allergens, and the like are removed from the patient's environment. Thorough cleaning of the patient's home, minimal to no contact with hair or feathered pets, weekly hot water washing of bedding, and avoiding synthetic materials, upholstery, and carpet in the home when possible are all techniques used. The goal is to limit the amount of dust particles that could cause problems for asthmatics. Asthma treatment may also entail the use of medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Minimizing dust and allergens and keeping a clean home can be helpful, but this doesn’t address the imbalances in the body itself. What’s more, many of the traditional asthma medications used to manage asthma symptoms come with negative side effects.

Potential negative side effects of asthma medications include:

• Lower resistance to infection

• Increased heart rate

• Weight gain

• Anxiety

• Changes in mood

• Rash

• Increased appetite

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nervousness or tremors

• Muscle weakness

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty sleeping

• Easy bruising

• Osteoporosis

• Increased growth of body hair

• Fungal infections of the throat

• Water retention

• Stomach irritation

• and more

This is where holistic alternatives come in!

Acupuncture has been shown in studies to alleviate asthma symptoms, enhance lung function, and reduce drug usage.

Cupping is another natural treatment option that may help patients with asthma. Cupping helps reduce muscle stress and pain caused by persistent coughing and wheezing by moving the cups up and down the intercostal muscles between the ribs. Cupping can also aid in the expulsion of pathogens from the lungs, the opening of the chest, the promotion of blood flow, the increase of immunity, and the reduction of inflammation.

Herbal Therapy is another effective natural asthma treatment. Increase lung capacity, remove mucus from the lungs, moisturize the lungs to eliminate dry cough, enhance immunity, and even aid with shortness of breath with the correct natural herb formula.

Essential Oils are another promising holistic option for asthma. While essential oils are not considered a main treatment for asthma, and may trigger symptoms in some people, several studies have shown potential for aromatherapy in alleviating some asthma symptoms. Breathing in lavender oil from a diffuser or humidifier may help decrease inflammation caused by asthma and allergies. Eucalyptus essential oil may help adults manage symptoms of respiratory conditions from asthma, the common cold, or bronchitis. Note: Eucalyptus oil is not suitable for children. Clove essential oil has showed some promise at decreasing symptoms of asthma like chest pain, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Research has found that rosemary extract relaxes the smooth muscles of the trachea, which may lead to more relaxed breathing. Studies have also noted reduced asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and sputum production from rosemary oil. Note: Use essential oils in a diffuser or humidifier, most oils are not suitable for internal use.

Discover the potential benefits of acupuncture, cupping, and herbal therapy for yourself - schedule an appointment now!

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