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4 Alternative treatments for asthma

Alternative treatments for Asthma

Most chronic asthma patients turn to alternative or complementary treatments since they are less invasive and have fewer side effects than the traditional conventional or allopathic medicine. It is believed that complementary or alternative treatment not just gives relief to asthmatic patient, but also prevents further illness and ensures a better and healthier lifestyle. Complementary treatments include herbal remedies, breathing techniques and other exercises that are safe for the patient. Following are some alternative treatments available for asthmatic patients.

1. Herbs and Vitamins

If the patient is tired of using inhalers and other steroid medications that have potential side effects, use of herbs and vitamins can help reduce the symptoms of the disease considerably. One should visit the concerned specialist or a doctor before proceeding to taking the path of alternate treatment. Eastern parts of the world have traditional herbs that are long used and accepted as medicine. As per Ayurvedic medicine, Vasaka, Boswellia, Shuan huang lian, Astragalus membranaceu and Matricaria Recutica are some of the herbs that effectively help to reduce the symptoms of the disease. It provides relief for cough, bronchitis and inflammation associated with Asthma. Studies show that these herbs rapidly reduce the symptoms as well as the duration of the illness. Intake of herb combination show more effectiveness than taking an herb on its own.

Vitamin supplements such as C, A, D, B6 and B12 when taken on a regular basis provides powerful anti-oxidants to the body. These help in building up a strong immune system as well as provide respiratory relief. Eating fruits and vegetables rich with these vitamins also provides robust immunity to the body. Apart from Vitamins, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids also help in the reduction of nasal inflammation and related symptoms.

2. Yoga

Yoga is one of the best known ancient systems that evolved from India. It includes series of postures and exercises that benefits the mental as well as physical well-being of a person. Few poses of Yoga or yogasanas are very effective in aiding and relieving an asthmatic patient. Yogasanas stretches the body and makes the body flexible and strong. Pranayama are specific breathing techniques which focus on the right type of breathing for good health. It regulates the breathing pattern and improves the respiratory organs and system.

Sukhasana (Easy pose), Shoulder Lifts, Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation), Kapalbhati pranayama, (breathing technique) and Anuloma Viloma pranayama (breathing technique) are very useful to overcome an asthmatic symptom or attack. With regular practice of yoga, an asthmatic patient can certainly obtain the best overall health benefits. It is also quite essential that the patient continues to take the prescribed medicine in consultation with a specialist or a doctor.

3. Acupuncture

There is inconclusive evidence that shows that acupuncture can help ease the asthmatic symptoms. Performed by a qualified practitioner, this treatment needles involves insertion of needles at specific body points. To treat asthma, these points are normally on the upper back. Inserting the needles at specific points corrects the energy flow in a person. When the points specific to Asthma gets corrected, the patient experiences reduction in the symptoms. The needles are either rotated or electric current is applied on them. These are then left on the points for about twenty minutes. This requires series of such applications for about 10 – 12 weeks to achieve best results.

Acupuncture sometimes is combined with certain breathing techniques which promote strengthening of the lungs. This treatment mainly focuses on rejuvenating the imbalanced immune system. Studies show that it improves the overall pulmonary function in a patient which directly helps in lessening of severity of asthma symptoms. There are several herbal formulas that are used in supplement with this treatment. These herbs work in conjunct with this procedure thereby reducing phlegm production, coughing and various nasal allergies.

4. Biofeedback

Biofeedback uses electronic feedback messages to an individual enabling him or her to control the body functions that would normally happen automatically. Studies indicate that people who underwent biofeedback technique are seen to reduce the intake of steroid medication significantly. Biofeedback trains the patients to relax the inhaling muscles consciously. This helps asthmatics to alter their disturbed breathing patterns.

Pneumographic biofeedback helps patients to adjust the breathing pattern which lowers their heart rate. This showed considerable improvement in the reduction of lung inflammation and indicated steady improvement in the patient’s pulmonary function. Use of this feedback requires supervision of a qualified and trained biofeedback trainer. It is also essential to consult the physician before proceeding with biofeedback.

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