Natural Cure for Asthma
Breathing is the essence of life and for this disease to hinder its natural process; an effective Asthma control will be essential. Characterized by wheezing sounds, tightness in the chest, difficulties in breathing and at times cough spells and sore throats, it has made for many sleepless nights and boring days locked in doors. This was simply because you did not have the cardio-vascular endurance to withstand play coupled with the added fear of allergic reactions to grass, dust or even a friendly pat on the back which could trigger an asthma attack at any time landing us right back in the bed for a week minimum.
The first step to be kept in mind whenever you are breathing is to make the conscious effort to ensure that it is done deeply. This can be attained initially by conscious efforts but with time and practice it becomes a natural process, like it was always intended to be. To gain most amount of air with minimal effort, ensure that when inhaling, you allow for the dome of the abdomen to have an outward curve. Contrary to popular belief and instructions given by coaches and even some doctors, do not raise the shoulders or stiffen the diaphragm when inhaling as this constricts the inflow of air for the lungs.
For a good illustration of natural breathing, simply observe an infant. You would notice a baby always breathes deeply from the abdomen although it is with a apparently effortless approach.
A simple test to establish correct breathing habits will be the following exercises. When executing them, make sure that they are done on an empty stomach and in a place with plenty of fresh air. Also, ensure that you breathe through the nose as often as possible.
Inhalation and Exhalation: Either laying flat on a bed or sitting erect commence to breathing intensely, using a stopwatch or metronome to keep track of the time. The desired ratio required here is 1:2. Minimum time for inhalation should be 4 seconds slowly building up to 16. With the time for exhalation now being 8 seconds gradually building up to 32 consciously perform this exhilarating exercise for many weeks.
Inhalation-Retention-Exhalation: When you are properly established in the above exercise the next stage included is retention. In ancient yogic texts, the required ratio would be 1:4:2 (inhalation, retention and exhalation) The minimum schedule again for this exercise is 4 seconds, slowly building up to a maximum of 16 seconds.
Although, from the indications above, you would notice that more emphasis is laid on proper breathing over diet as a step for a natural asthma control, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even so-called health-food products like Yeast, Soy, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and Vinegar.
Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if required less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally. Also ensure to combine your meals properly and not to consume liquids of any kinds while eating so as not to constrict proper movement of the visceral organs that lie underneath the all-important diaphragm.