Healing and cure from asthma with the help of acupressure therapy

Being in a country with the a humid atmosphere and increasing pollution, 9 out of 10 kids around the capital city show some kind of asthma symptoms. My son has asthma from the age of 3 which is much improved as I believe and try to use alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of asthma. This post is a help for people having asthma or related symptoms to get prevention and healing using the acupressure therapy.

I have mentioned and given links which are suggested by various acupressure practitioners, but don't be confused as there are many pressure points around the human body which can be used for the healing and cure of asthma. You may chose the points according to your ease and keep pressing these points.

Note: Never discontinue any prescribed asthma medication without the approval of your doctor.

A patient of asthma shows symptoms of wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest which is due to inflammation of the bronchioles (the tubes that carry air within the lungs). During an asthma attack, this swelling worsens, and the bronchial tubes narrow. Asthma can also make mucus glands work overtime, producing a thick, sticky fluid that congests the airways.

Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies. Strong emotions such as fear and anxiety can also kick off an attack. See a doctor if you think you have asthma.

Natural remedies in conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor's approval may provide relief, according to some health professionals.

Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., director of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, and author of Acupressure's Potent Points. He suggests pressing the Lu 1 points to breathe easier. To find these points, also named Letting Go, make fists in front of your chest with your thumbs pointing up. Place your thumbs on the outer portion of your chest, pressing on the muscles that run horizontally below your collarbone. You?ll find a sensitive, knotted spot on each side of your chest. Underneath each spot is Lu 1. Let your head hang forward, then breathe slowly and deeply as you press the points with your thumbs for two minutes.

Pressing the Lu 1 points is helpful for prevention as well as relief of asthma attacks.

You can also press the B 13 points, called the Lung Associated points. Each point is situated one finger-width below the upper tip of the shoulder blade, between the spine and the shoulder blade. Try using tennis balls to press these hard-to-reach points. Lie on your back with your knees bent, placing a pillow under your head for comfort, if you wish. Raise your shoulders slightly while you reach behind your back with your hands to position the tennis balls. Now cross your arms over your body and breathe deeply, letting your weight sink into the floor. Let the tennis balls press into your shoulder muscles for a few minutes or for as long as it feels comfortable.

Source: 'Mother nature'

Useful links and resources:

* 'YouTube' videos for acupressure points.

* Video of 'Acupressure points for asthma' at eHow.

* 'Instructions for acupressure points' with pictures showing the exact location of pressure points.

* 'Asthma Acupressure'

Suggested diet tips for asthma patients

Alternative therapy, along with your health practitioner's suggested medication and following diet or food tips can help you prevent and heal from next asthma attack. These diet suggestions would trigger the healing process so check the routine diet and make changes accordingly.

Diet tips for asthma patients:

• Eat a healthy whole-foods diet based on lean protein foods, such as fish; fresh vegetables and fruits; and whole grains. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, which are high in omega-3 essential fatty acid, have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Eating fish three or four times a week can be very beneficial.
• Include onions in your diet. Onions contain diphenyl-thiosulfinate, an anti-inflammatory compound with anti-asthmatic effects. Moreover, some researchers believe that asthma has its roots in infection by an organism known as Chlamydia pneumonia, and onions have natural infection-fighting properties as well.
• Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, and simple carbohydrates, such as refined sugar.
• If you have sensitivity to dairy foods, avoid them. Remember that dairy foods tend to increase the production of mucus.
• Beware of foods such as nuts, citrus fruits, whole-wheat products (especially yeasted breads), seafood, and foods containing additives like preservatives or food dyes, as well as contact with animals. Any of these things can cause or exacerbate an allergy-induced asthma attack.
• Certain food additives, especially metabisufite, can be dangerous for individuals with asthma. Sulfites are commonly found in commercially prepared foods such as dried fruits. They are also used by many restaurants to keep fruits and vegetables at salad bars looking fresh and attractive. If you have asthma, it's best to avoid salad bars and to buy only unsulfured dried fruits. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also cause problems for some people with asthma, so avoid food products prepared with this additive. You should also be aware of "hidden" sources of MSG. these often show up on food labels as "hydrolyzed protein," "autolyzed yeast," "sodium caseinate," and "calcium caseinate."
• Following an asthma attack, drink plenty of fluids once your condition is stable enough for you to do so. It is important to thin secretions so that they are easily coughed out.
• If you suffer fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, and have difficulty losing weight, ask your physician to check your thyroid function. Asthma is often exacerbated by low thyroid function.

Source: 'Asthma diet'

More studies:

* Nutritional supplements for asthma are intended to prevent or support recovery from an asthma attack, rather than to treat. Read more at: Asthma Nutritions & Supplements