Natural and Holistic Treatments For Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders if left untreated can be extremely fatal in most cases. And while traditional medicine usually helps to alleviate symptoms of most respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, etc, these drugs also have side effects. For example corticosteroids though very helpful in reducing asthma attacks can also negatively affect the body by causing bones to become brittle and break easily.

However before you consider any natural or holistic treatments for respiratory disorders it is important that you consult you doctor first, and let him know what you are doing. This is because some medication and herbs can interact with one another. Also be sure to visit a licensed alternative therapist for treatment, as there are also many fake natural herbs and treatments that can do more harm than good.

• Acupuncture
• Qi Gong
• Aromatherapy
• Herbs
• Yoga
• Massages
• Reflexology &
• Nutritional supplements are just some of the many natural and holistic treatments that are available to treat respiratory disorders.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not just a pain control therapy. It can also alter hormone levels, blood levels, digestive enzymes, stomach motility, endorphin levels and helps in modulating breathing. Thus, acupuncture can treat conditions such as depression, ulcers, hypertension, allergies, and respiratory disorders such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis and the common cold.

It has also been seen that ear acupuncture helps many people to give up smoking. Acupuncture decreases the desire to smoke and also helps alleviate the withdrawal symptoms produced by quitting tobacco.

Popularly used in the treatment of asthma and COPD, acupuncture is done by inserting tiny fine needles into the body at key places, to help decrease the frequency and intensity of asthmatic attacks and bronchitis.

Aromatherapy & Massages

Aromatherapy is the use of scented essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical well being. These essential oils are extracted from plants and possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can improve and prevent many diseases such as respiratory disorders, rheumatism, shingles, influenza and arthritis. These natural plant oils are used via a massage, bath or by inhalation. Aromatherapy is also very effective in treating stress-related conditions.

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, hyssop, aniseed, lavender, pine, and rosemary help make breathing easier. Aromatherapy is especially good for asthmatics as it helps them to breathe easily and helps prevent nasal congestion and asthma attacks.

Massages are known to help relax and soothe major muscles of the body. Massages help respiratory problems by regulating breathing.

Herbs

The Chinese herb ephedra or ma huang is considered as effective bronchodilator, but should not be used if the patient has high blood pressure or heart disease. Other Chinese herbs used in the treatment of respiratory disorders include; elecampane, which acts as an expectorant (promotes spitting) to help patients clear mucus from the lungs and Mullein tea, which is used to soothe mucous membranes.

Others herbs such as; lobelia, hollyhock, eucalyptus, cinnamon, thyme, wall germander, ginger, rosemary, and cloves can also be effectively used to treat the various symptoms of respiratory disorders making breathing easier and keep the lungs healthy.

Yoga

Yoga can significantly help patients suffering from bronchial asthma and other respiratory disorders. Yoga through a series of breathing and exercise techniques, helps to relax both voluntary inhalation and exhalation, and promotes better breathing.

Reflexology

Recent research has revealed that asthmatic children have benefited from reflexology treatment. Reflexology helps 'balance' organs and tissues throughout the body. Acting through the nervous system, it can actually help strengthen and normalize both the circulatory and the respiratory system.

Qi Gong

Qi-Gong is a traditional Chinese exercise that places emphasis on breathing techniques. It uses posture, movement, breathing, meditation, visualization and conscious intent to cleanse or purify the Qi (soul). This Chinese exercise also helps to regularize breathing.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements such as; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Mixed carotenoids, Vitamin A, Selenium, Zinc, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Vitamin B Complex and Essential Fatty Acids such as Omega- 3 fatty acids found in fish oils and Omega-6 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil, borage oil & black currant seed oil, are great to incorporate into one’s diet, as they have been known to prevent and alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress.