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Asthma
Asthma is a lung disorder marked
by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing,
and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may
be started by breathing foreign substances (allergens)
or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or
emotional stress. Treatment includes getting rid of the
cause if possible. Sprays or wideners of the bronchi
taken by mouth and steroid drugs are also used. Repeated
attacks often results in shortness of breath (emphysema)
and permanent obstructive lung disease.
Clinical Features
Asthma is the reversible narrowing of small air tubes
(bronchioles), by inflammation of the mucus membranes or
contraction of the muscular walls of the diaphragm.
Difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest,
prolonged expiration phase, wheezing and coughing caused
by excessive mucus are common symptoms.
Aetiology
inhaled allergens (house dust mite, animal dander,
and irritant gases including cigarette smoke)
ingested allergens: foods; drugs, e.g.,
aspirin; food additives; yeasts and molds on food
infecting organisms, either due to the infection
itself or an allergy to the organism
temperature change and changes in the weather
-especially cold air
lack of exercise and fresh air
emotional stress, e.g., bereavement
hormones
certain chemicals in the workplace
Aromatherapy treatment
During a crisis, inhaling essential oils that have
antispasmodic properties will provide relief. This can
be done by simply inhaling the essential oils from the
bottle, or placing a few drops on a tissue or
handkerchief.
Do not use steam inhalation as the heat from the
steam will increase any inflammation of the mucus
membranes and make the congestion even worse. Moisture,
however, is helpful and a humidifier with a few drops of
essential oil added is a good idea. Between attacks the
entire thoracic area, back and chest, should be
massaged, with particular emphasis on techniques which
open out the chest and shoulders.
The selection of essential oils is depended upon:
whether an infection is present
whether emotional factors are involved
whether an allergic response is involved
Other treatments
Check for food sensitivities and avoid exposure to
foods found to precipitate an asthma attack.
Vitamin B12 appears to be especially effective in
sulphite-sensitive individuals.
Avoid all food colorings, if sensitive to aspirin,
particularly tartrazine which gives the yellow color
to margarine.
Practice allergen avoidance as efficiently as
possible, i.e., keeping bedding/bedroom as dust
free as possible, avoiding feather pillows, eiderdown,
quits, etc.. Wash linen in 1% tannic acid solution
Avoid drinking cold fluids
Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, pollutants,
cold winds and air conditions ducts.
Keep ambient temperature in the bedroom at a
comfortable level of warmth to try to prevent airway
cooling during the night. Avoid wide open windows in
winter as warm humid conditions have been clearly
shown to prevent asthma provoked by airway cooling.
Garlic should be take on a regular basis as it
stimulate the immune system.
Supplement the diet with essential fatty acids (GLA,
EPA) or take linseed oil, one tablespoon per day, and
cod liver oil, on teaspoon per day.
Improve immunity by supplementing with
anti-oxidant nutrients, zinc and vitamin B6.
Relaxation and breathing exercises should be
performed every day.
Corticosteroids are still the allopathic drugs of
choice for asthma. Glycyrrhizen, the glycoside found
in licorice root has a steroid-like activity and has
long been used as an anti-inflammatory and
anti-allergenic agent. Licorice root is also an
expectorant, a useful action to help alleviate asthma.
Acupressure is particularly helpful in cases of
acute asthmatic attack. It probably won’t make the
symptoms disappear but it will definitely alleviate
them. Use of acupressure points Lung 1 and Kidney 27
will help to relieve chest congestions and asthma.
Metaphysical Cause
Inability to breathe for one’s self. Feeling stifled.
Suppressed crying. Smothering/attachment-type love "me
vs. them", think or do conflict.
The Mosby Medical Encyclopedia, Revised Edition
The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore
Battaglia
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Watch Out For These Essential Oil Traps:
- Never use pure essential oils on the skin (neat).
Dilute them with a carrier or disperse in water.
- Never take orally unless under the supervision of
a doctor.
- If you are pregnant, AVOID, oils of aniseed,
basil, clary sage, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, hyssop,
jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, pennyroyal, sage,
thyme, fennel, peppermint, rose or rosemary.
- Bergamot and citrus oils cause your skin to become
sun sensitive, so avoid sunbathing when using.
- Keep all oils out of reach of children.
- When adding pure essential oils to bath, disperse
(move water with your hands) before getting in. If the
oils "puddle" where you are getting in, they may
irritate the skin.
- Essential oils are potent. A few drops do a lot.
- Because allergic reactions can occur with any
herbal or botanical ingredient, any preparation should
be tested in a small area of the skin before using.
- If using a homeopathic remedy check with your
homeopathic physician before using. Some oils may
counteract your treatments.
******************************************************
Kathleen M. Flanagan, CEO and Founder of Awakening
Spirit, Inc. A free monthly column. Kathleen M.
Flanagan: Aromatherapist, Intuitive Healer, Author,
Speaker; 10289 Julian Court, Westminster, CO 80031.
http://www.awakeningspirit.com.
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