Asthma and a Holisitc Approach
Here is my final paper I wrote for my A&P class. As always, this is NOT meant as medical advice, always seek or medical attention when needed.
Abstract
My goal is to show how changing your diet, adding supplements and being more mindful can help to reduce or even eliminate asthma and allergies. This paper is looking into both since asthma can stem from an allergic reaction. Gut health is where the immune system starts. Being able to have qi move more freely in your body will help your body as a whole. Majority of doctors in the United States treat the symptoms, not the cause.
Defining asthma, allergies, gut health and qi
Asthma is defined as a chronic disease where the bronchial airways become swollen and makes it difficult to breathe. It can be painful and can cause death if left untreated. It is usually brought on as a result from an allergic reaction. However, there are 7 different types of asthma (A.L.A.). For this paper, we will focus on allergic asthma. Most asthmatics will carry an inhaler with them as it is a fast-acting medicine that in breathed in through the mouth. This type can also be referred to as a rescue inhaler. They can also prescribe a maintenance drug which is usually another type of inhaler that is taken daily. Sometimes they will prescribe is a nebulizer treatment which can give a more accurate dosage. They can also be prescribed a corticosteroid like prednisone. The steroid drug is temporary, as it can cause adrenal gland suppression and most doctors don’t prescribe this for more than a week.
According to diagnosis measures, asthma is a disharmony between two systems; the digestive system (which is the spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines) and the heart and lungs (Pitchford, P).
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance. Your body produces antibodies to counteract this substance. An allergic reaction can range from mild such as sneezing or itching to severe such as an asthma attack or anaphylaxis reaction. Treatments range from over-the-counter medications to allergy shots. These shots are meant to help reduce the sensitivity to the allergen.
For gut health, I’ll go with the way the Japanese describe it. “Onaka”, meaning honored middle and “hara” meaning center of the spiritual and physical strength (Bischoff S.). I think this is the best way to describe it particularly because you need to be mindful of what you put into your body.
Qi, or life force energy. According to the dictionary, qi is vital energy that is held to animate the body internally and is of central importance in some Eastern medical treatments an of exercise or self-defense (Merriam-Webster). When the body is in ds-ease, the qi can become stuck. Blocked or stagnant. It is important to keep the energy in us moving.
Alarming numbers
There is an estimation of over 43 million Americans that have asthma (Rangachari, P. et. al). I am not sure how accurate that is since typically they do not diagnosis a child until after 3 years of age. Taking the asthma drugs mentioned above, can be lifelong. I feel there has to be something that can elevate being on medication for the rest of your life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM looks at the body as a whole being and not just separate parts or just symptoms. Every organ, tissue, even cell affects others. So, if one organ is depleted, then it takes from another, which leads to more depletion and so on. There are Five Elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Wood burns, it turns to Fire. The Fire then makes ash which decomposes into Earth. Earth is where birth happens and mined Metals are. Metals in turn enriches the Water, which is brought to nourish the trees. Each one touches the other in a circle (Pitchford, P).
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are balance, they are together and yet, separate. Yin and Yang are everything really, including the foods you eat. Yin is considered to be feminine, cold (as in deficiency), blood earth and passive. Yang is masculine, heat (as in excess), energy and active. Correct diet and movement help to keep this in balance.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being aware. You are aware of your mind, body, and area. Mindfulness plays a big part in our healing. This has been shown when patients are given a placebo and begin to feel better shortly after. Being mindful is not an easy practice, but it can be vital to our healing. Being aware of what we ingest or how we move our bodies in critical to healing. Meditation, walking in nature, qi gong, tai chi are all great ways to begin being more aware.
Lungs
The lungs are said to hold onto sadness, grief as well as anger and frustration. While you are holding onto these issues, you may continue to have areas of weakening. Our bodies are so amazing, we do not realize how much traumas our bodies hold onto. Seeing a therapist, writing or journalling are ways to help work through this. This goes along to the mindfulness that was mentioned above. You need to get to the route of the issues/traumas. Sometimes our emotions are not even coming from ourselves but from others and we are unaware.
Heat, Cold and Dampness
Food qualities in TCM falls under heat and cold. Too much of one leaves a deficiency in the other. If one is considered cold in their body, then they are not receiving enough warming foods. For those that are considered hot, they are lacking cooling foods.
Dampness according to Chinese physiology is due to too much yeast growth (Candida overgrowth) (Pitchford, P.).
Inflammation
We know asthma is an inflammation of the brachial tubes. Let’s look at ways to reduce inflammation. While there are many herbs/spices that help reduce inflammation, we are looking at a few.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium Sativum) is a wonderful spice/herb that can have a strong odor and taste. It is known as Da Suan in TCM. You do have to be careful to take this if you are on certain blood thinners. Garlic is anti-viral and anti-fungal. It is said to help with parasites (Pitchford, P). It helps with warming of the blood, coughing, moves the qi, and can help relieve fevers (CITCM).
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most prescribed foods for stomach discomfort, food allergies, excess weight, reducing inflammation and more. It’s a warming essence that is also good for colds and helping with stagnant qi (TCM World).
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longs) has key healing properties such as being an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. This is also considered warming which is good for digestion. It is said to also help with menstrual cramps/pain (Pitchford, P.).
Black pepper
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is also considered warming and can be used to help with diarrhea. It helps the lungs and protects against viral infections (Pitchford, P.).
Cinnamon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is another warming agent. It’s very good for the kidneys, liver, spleen and the heart.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is an anti-inflammatory, as well as an antioxidant.
Essential oils
TCM believes grief and sadness resides in the lungs. There are psycho-emotional conditions that essential oils could offer dome relief from. For this, I would use chamomile roman for its calming effect and to not dwell on the past. Frankincense is good for depression and grief. Others include geranium, lavender and rose otto.
For asthma, if not triggered by fragrances, use cajeput as a antimicrobial and expectorant. Chamomile, German is good for antispasmodic and antiallergenic. Others that can be used include cypress, frankincense, geranium, lavender, rose otto and others.
*It is important not to use these during an asthma attack (Godfrey, H).
Probiotics
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two important probiotics. Babies that are breast fed receive these. “They remain stable elements of the normal intestinal microbiota, maintaining their important functions throughout life, and their dysbiosis is associated with a plethora of pathological conditions” (Vlasova, A. et. al).
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are vital nutrients that we need in order to not only stay healthy, but to heal our bodies. Having vitamin deficiency causes health problems. Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin B helps with digestion.
Pathology
The pathology of the lungs begins in within the microbiome of the gut, mainly in the large intestines. This microbiome provides energy and protects the gut wall as well as regulated the immune system. By keeping the intestines intact, it protects from inflammatory and allergic diseases (Bischoff, S.). These microorganisms play an important role in our health begins at birth. When a child is born, their digestive system isn’t fully developed. This could answer why some children are said to have had allergies or asthma since birth. Perhaps they we’re receiving the right nutrients they needed for a healthy digestive system.
Treatment
I would start with a complete overhaul of the diet. Understanding that this is a major challenge for most people, but it is a critical step towards feeling better. I would minimize the amount of carbs and sugar. I would treat with the organic foods, with a focus on fresh raw foods if they can be tolerated (in my case they cannot yet as I am allergic to raw fruits and vegetables). I would limit dairy from cows as they can cause an excess of mucus. For protein, I would suggest chicken over a red meat. Overall, I would take the time to find the right combination of foods for the individual patient. An example would be if they have dampness, I would not recommend and raw fruits/vegetables that would be considered cooling. I would want to add protein and warming foods.
Supplements are necessary. We are a country (and maybe even a world) that is so deficient in so many. I would add the following; Beta-carotene 10,000 IU daily, Calcium 1,500-2,000 mg daily, Magnesium 750 mg daily, vitamin A 15,000 IU daily, vitamin B complex 50 mg 4 times daily, vitamin B6 2mg 3 times daily, vitamin B12 1,000 mcg 2 times daily, vitamin C 1,500 mg 3 times daily and vitamin E 600 IU daily (Quick Study). I would also add natural sunlight for vitamin D to help with the absorption of calcium. Time outside would depend on skin coloring. I would also add in probiotics that contain lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
To incorporate the mentioned above spices/herbs, I would suggest a tea. Fresh ginger, turmeric, whole black pepper and a cinnamon stick is steep in hot water for about 20 minutes, drink daily. In the morning, add turmeric and ginger to coconut water (or orange juice if coconut water is unable to be used). Garlic, you can add to most foods (along with the others mentioned). Stinging nettle can also be made into a tea. I would steep overnight in water, and add raw honey the next morning for taste (honey has great healing properties as well). Astragalus root made into a tincture will help with upper respiratory issues, supports the immune system, protects the liver, help with energy and more. Do not however take this if you catch a cold, but can resume after. For this, I would take a few drops under the tongue in the morning.
Meditation. Meditation is so important to bring awareness to self. Once you have more awareness of self, you being to really see and feel what truly works for your body. To stop and listen to our bodies is crucial, especially when it comes to food and what works and what doesn’t. It’s aligning ourselves within as well as with the earth and universe.
For movement, I would start small to build up the energy. Starting with qi gong or a tai chi. This gets the energy/qi moving without much effort. This is also a great way to add in the mindfulness that may be lacking, but can always use more of. Walking and yoga are also great ways to combine the exercise and awareness.
To help with movement I would suggest reiki or other types of energy healing. This can help get the qi moving and break up any stagnant qi. Reiki healing is beneficial in so many ways for the body. Make sure to drink plenty of water after the treatments.
I would suggest dry brushing. Dry brushing helps with circulation and not only stimulate the qi, but also the lymphatic system. By stimulating the lymphatic system, you are helping with fluid balance, immunity as well as defenses against disease (Roiger, D. & Bullock, N.). To dry brush, you want to start at the feet and brush upwards. For your arms, you would brush up from your fingers and then go down your chest to the heart. You would also move downwards from the face.
I would suggest using an inferred sauna. These are helpful to getting toxins out of your body, improving your cardiovascular system, boosts circulation, and also helps with inflammation.
I would also suggest essential oils, but all natural, chemical free ones, therapeutic ones. These are safe for your skin and better for you. A few drops into a diffuser is all that is needed.
I would also integrate acupuncture. Acupuncture has a vast list of benefits for health. It helps to move the energy to where it is needed as well as help to break up or remove the blockages. The acupuncture stimulates the body to heal itself.
Finally, I would suggest for them to go see and talk to a therapist. This will help them to work through any grief, anger or sadness their holding onto in their lungs. By talking to someone, they are becoming more aware as well.
Following this, there would be an improvement to not only your breathing, reducing asthma attacks, but overall health. Diet wise, you could lose weight, which would give you more energy, allowing you to move more. Movement we know boosts your emotions, so you will feel better emotionally. Your skin will start looking better. As mentioned earlier in the paper, everything is connected and each part of us effects another, you will see a chain reaction for the betterment of your health.
Multi vitamins and probiotics have been my nightly routine for years. I drink Karma water which is said to have a lot of vitamins and minerals in them that are not diluted in the water as you push down to release them into the water. I have been taking turmeric and ginger most mornings for about three years now. This alone has helped reduce my need to take a rescue inhaler or have difficulty breathing. Recently, I have brought back qi gong back into my spiritual practice to help move my qi. Recently I have added the teas, tincture and dry brushing into my routines. There has been a big difference in my energy level. Soon, I will add inferred sauna to it. I haven’t changed much of my diet; however, I am more aware of how mu body acts not only to certain foods, but how or where they are cooked.
References
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Bischoff, S. C. (2011, March 14). 'gut health': A new objective in medicine? BMC medicine. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065426/
Garlic (allium sativum) in traditional Chinese medicine: CITCM acupuncture calgary ab. CITCM Acupuncture Calgary AB | Specializing in Complimentary Healthcare Education. (2022, August 22). Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://citcm.com/garlic-allium-sativum-in-traditional-chinese-medicine/
Godfrey, H. D. (2019). Essential oils for the whole body: The dynamics of topical application and absorption. Healing Arts Press.
Huang, D. Y. (2021, November 12). The benefits of lymphatic dry brushing and how to do it the right way. Rehab and Revive. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.rehabandrevive.com/post-1/the-benefits-of-lymphatic-dry-brushing
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Qi definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qi
Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.
Rangachari, P., May, K. R., Stepleman, L. M., Tingen, M. S., Looney, S., Liang, Y., Rockich-Winston, N., & Rethemeyer, R. K. (2019, August 23). Measurement of key constructs in a holistic framework for assessing self-management effectiveness of pediatric asthma. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747253/
Roiger, D., & Bullock, N. J. (2023). Anatomy, physiology, & disease: Foundations for the health professions. McGraw-Hill.
TCM World. (2023, March 12). Ginger: An ancient remedy. TCM World. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.tcmworld.org/ginger-ancient-tcm-remedy/#:~:text=Ginger%20is%20the%20number%20one,and%20get%20stagnating%20Qi%20flowing.
Vlasova, A. N., Kandasamy, S., Chattha, K. S., Rajashekara, G., & Saif, L. J. (2016, April). Comparison of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria effects, immune responses and rotavirus vaccines and infection in different host species. Veterinary immunology and immunopathology. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818210/#R26