There’s no need to puff and wheeze your way through the summer – try our holistic breath-boosting therapies!
According to a survey by the British Lung Foundation, one in seven people in the UK are affected by breathing difficulties. From adult asthma to hayfever to illnesses such as lung disease and respiratory failure, there are all sorts of health issues that cause us to huff and puff. Luckily holistic techniques, nutritional and complementary therapies could help you breathe more easily. Here are just a few…
Herbal medicine Herbs have long been used for their ability to strengthen and aid recovery of the respiratory tract. A medical herbalist might prescribe one of the following:
Thyme provides potent immune combative action for chest infections such as coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy. Drink it as an infusion or tisane two to four times a day to help loosen a tight chest.
Mullein reduces mucous formation and loosens phelgm, so it is equally useful for prevention as well as treatment.
Lobelia stimulates respiration and alleviates tight-chested conditions to include coughs, bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, which is highly anti-inflammatory and useful in asthma, coughs and other chest problems.
Eucalyptus is an effective decongestant and antiseptic but must be used under medical supervision with asthma sufferers due to its potency
Halotherapy
Halo means salt in Greek and this curative treatment has been used for centuries to help alleviate respiratory issues. The theory is that breathing salt-saturated air helps to relax airways and soothe inflammation. Salt’s antibacterial properties also calm respiratory problems such as asthma. You can try it in purpose built salt caves or give yourself a DIY treatment with a salt pipe. We recommend this one: thesaltpipe.co.uk.
Acupuncture
The ancient needling technique can help the body deal with phlegm and inflammation that affect the lungs. The acupuncture stimulus produces anti-inflammatory agents, while affecting the sympathetic nervous system to ease muscular constriction of the airway.
Massage
Professional or even self-massage can also help. If you suffer from hayfever try this DIY technique:
Place the index fingers either side of the nostrils. Beginning near the nasal opening, press firmly, hold for a few seconds and then move upwards, pressing and holding on either side of the nostrils, towards the bridge of the nose.
Press the area just under the eyes (towards the corners), hold, then release. Do the same under the brow bone, and then between the eyebrows. Finish by stroking the eyebrows.
Maintain a nice steady pace and try not to drag the skin. This should help to drain sinuses, relieving congestion and discomfort.
Nutritional Healing
People with a high intake of fruit and vegetables have better lung function and are less likely to develop asthma than those who eat little, says integrative medical doctor Sarah Brewer, author of Natural Health Guru: Overcoming Asthma. “Apples for example, are a rich source of powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, which reduces histamine release and promotes bronchial relaxation.” She advises eating plenty of raw fruit and veg for their vitamin, mineral antioxidant and fibre content. “Antioxidants can help to strengthen lung tissue, reduce inflammation and improve asthma symptoms,” she says. Sarah also suggests cutting out additives such as monosodium glutamate, benzoates and sulfites, all of which can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues.
Yoga
This has been used for centuries to control breathing and to practise mindfulness – both of which can help with respiratory issues. A good pose to try is the cobra asana (bhujangasana) which opens the chest and lungs. Here’s how:
Begin by lying flat on your stomach
Place your palms under your shoulders with your elbows tucking in close to the torso. Lengthen your legs with the tops of the feet pressing down into the mat.
As you inhale slowly press into your hands to lengthen your arms, chest lightly forward and up.
Pull your shoulder blades back and down without being hard in the back muscles. Tuck your elbows in close to the ribcage keeping your elbows slightly bent. Encourage your back to muscles to work and not just the arms.
Lift your eyes and chin keeping a comfortable space through the back of your neck.
Hold the pose for 10-30 seconds, breathing.
Complete with one last inhale and then slowly exhale bringing your head and chest down and forward.
