Naturopathy – Respiratory Diseases, Asthma and Bronchitis

Respiratory Diseases – Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory ailment. There is difficulty in breathing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Cough may be present. The duration of attack may vary from hours to days. In between attacks, the patient is usually normal. Irritants like dust and smoke, respiratory infections, physical exertion, change in weather, cold or humid weather and emotional stress can trigger attacks of Asthma. Very obviously, smoking and air pollution are harbingers of suffering to most asthmatics. There is a family history of asthma/allergy in a number of cases. Constipation and indigestion can play havoc with an asthmatic patient. Asthma, though dreadful, is never fatal. How ever, the suffering of the patient calls for immediate measures for relief.

In fact, there seems to be no permanent cure for asthma in the world. Using drugs is not the real answer. For long term relief or cure the sufferers should follow the principles of Nature Cure and Yoga. The treatments, diet, exercises and yogic kriyas and pranayama are advised in the chart at the end of this book. Eliminate from the diet allergic food, such as all dairy products, chocolates, fish, tomatoes, citrus fruits, banana, guava, grapes, fried and heavy food. Cut out irritants like tea, coffee, spices, alcohol, tobacco, salt, sugar, vinegar etc.

Take light, nutritious and balanced diet rich in fiber/roughage, low in protein and fat comprising vegetables, fruits, sprouts, eating little at a time but more frequently – also drink a lot of water. Avoid sweets, fried and spicy food, sour preparations including chutneys, pickles etc. Evening supper should be very light and at least two and a half hours before going to bed so as to enjoy a good sleep. Besides, learn the technique of overcoming emotional stress, Shavasana or Yoganidra is a very good relaxant. Also team and practice various yogic acanas, kriyas and pranayamas every morning after undergoing Nature Cure treatments so as to say good bye to asthma. Swimming is the best exercise to prevent asthma.

Respiratory Diseases – Bronchitis

Neglected or untreated cold and Sinusitis often develop into an acute Bronchitis which gives rise to high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. The bronchial tubes get congested and irritated requiring longer period for healing. The procedure and treatments suggested under common cold apply here also but should be pursued under the guidance of a Naturopath. Ignoring it or giving incomplete treatment may lead to chronic Bronchitis and other complications. Hot foot and arm bath besides chest pack twice daily for 2-3 weeks, breathing exercises and strict diet control fasting, enema etc. are very- essential.

Arthritis/Rheumatism

(Also Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis, Sciatica and Gout)

By far the most crippling disease is arthritis, which is supposed to be incurable. Today, the faculty of medicine has further worsened the situation by its indiscriminate use of drugs. However, arthritis can be safely, gradually and progressively controlled, and ultimately cured through a strict diet regimen, passive exercises and some treatments without using medicines under the guidance of Naturopaths.

>>>Arthritis