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The ABC+D Approach

With Steven Horne, RH(AHG)

Lesson Six

You Were Born to Breathe Freely: The Respiratory System

Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology

•  The lungs bring oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide

•  They help buffer pH in the body

•  Mucus traps dust and particles to protect lung tissues

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The Breathe of Life

•  6H20 (water) + 6C02 (carbon dioxide) C6H1206 (carbohydrate) + 602 (oxygen)

•  C6H1206 (carbohydrate) + 602 (oxygen) 6H20 (water) + 6C02 (carbon dioxide)

Respiratory Health Problems •  Allergies (Allergic

Rhinitis) •  Asthma •  Bronchitis (Acute) •  COPD

–  Chronic Bronchitis –  Emphysema –  Chronic Asthma

•  Infections –  Colds and Influenza –  Pneumonia –  Tuberculosis –  Sinusitis

•  Pleurisy •  Pneumonia •  Snoring and Sleep

Apnea

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Rhinitis

•  An inflammatory reaction in the eyes, nose and throat

•  Airborne irritants trigger histamine release which causes inflammation and fluid discharge

•  Symptoms Include: – Runny nose – Congested (stuffed up) nose –  Itchy, watery eyes, nose or throat – Coughing and sneezing – Fatigue – Digestive upset

Allergic Rhinitis

•  Mast cells are hyper sensitized and hyper-react to minor irritations releasing histamine, a pro-inflammatory chemical messenger

•  This causes an inflammatory cascade (chain reaction) in mucus membranes of the respiratory and digestive tract

•  Natural therapies include eliminating allergy-causing foods, better hydration (water and salt), anti-inflammatory (cooling remedies) and anti-allergenic remedies

Asthma

•  Constriction of airways –  Due to swelling and inflammation –  Due to spasticity of air passages

•  Typically involves –  Weak adrenals –  Hiatal hernia –  Digestive problems –  Chronic food and respiratory allergies –  Dehydration

•  Natural therapy includes hydration, antispasmodics, improved diet, correcting hiatal hernia, strengthening digestion and adrenals

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Bronchitis

•  Inflammation of the bronchials •  Symptoms:

–  Difficulty breathing, wheezing –  Cough, usually dry at first, then becoming

productive –  Fatigue, mild fever –  Tightness, burning or pressure in the chest

•  May be due to: –  Infection –  Exposure to irritating chemicals

•  Treated naturally with expectorants and decongestants, hydration, antimicrobials, antispasmodics

COPD

•  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder •  Obstruction of the lungs due to:

–  Chronic asthma –  Chronic bronchitis –  Emphysema

•  Primary causes are: –  Smoking and second-hand smoke –  Air pollution or exposure to chemicals

•  Considered incurable by medical profession

•  Natural therapy includes lung tonics, moistening expectorants, dietary improvement, better hydration and emotional healing work

Respiratory Infections

•  The respiratory system, like the digestive system, is exposed to pathogens and is a primary way for infection to enter the body

•  However, a healthy biological terrain of the respiratory tract resists infection

•  While antimicrobials can help, balancing the terrain and helping the body flush the toxins is the best natural treatment

•  Natural therapy includes antimicrobials, expectorants, decongestants, diaphoretics and hydration; colon cleansing and sweat baths are also helpful

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Pleurisy

•  Inflammation of the pleura (lining of the lungs)

•  Symptoms include: – Painful breathing, chest pain – Shortness of breath – Cough – Fever

•  Natural therapy is to use anti-inflammatory (cooling remedies)

•  Pleurisy root is a specific remedy for this condition

Pneumonia

•  Infection in the lungs resulting in fluid retention in the lungs

•  Symptoms Include: – Fever or fever with chills – Cough, usually productive – Chest pain – Shortness of breath

•  Treated naturally with warming and drying herbal remedies and antimicrobial agents

Snoring

•  Occurs in about 1/3 of the American population

•  Isn’t just an inconvenience, it is a sign of blockage in the upper respiratory system which creates a lack of oxygen and inefficient CO2 removal; snoring may lead to sleep apnea

•  Affects the health of other family members by causing sleep deprivation

•  Natural therapy includes colon cleansing, elimination of allergens and decongestant remedies to improve respiratory function

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Sleep Apnea

•  Airways block off while sleeping, person wakes up because of lack of oxygen

•  May happen many times a night without a person’s awareness

•  Can cause fatigue and eventually heart damage

•  Similar remedies for snoring, but may also require losing weight

Activating Respiratory Health

•  Deep Breathing •  Hiatal Hernia •  Hydration •  Healing Grief

The Diaphragm

Moves downward to inflate the lungs (inhale), causing the belly to rise 

Moves upward to deflate the lungs (exhale), causing the belly to fall 

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Deep Abdominal Breathing

•  Physical Benefits – Relieves pain and reduces inflammation – Alkalizes the pH – Centers the emotions and calms the

nerves – Pumps the lymphatics

•  Mental and Emotional Benefits – Reduces your stress – Centers your emotions – Helps you stay “grounded”

Hiatal Hernia

•  The stomach and joining section of esophagus slide up into chest area through the hiatus (opening in the diaphragm).

•  Inhibits movement of the diaphragm and creates shallow breathing

Hydration and Histamine •  Histamine is involved in inflammatory

responses, but it is also a neurotransmitter in the nervous system

•  Histamine is a “drought-management” hormone. It is used to direct water to critical organs

•  Dehydration causes higher levels of histamine – hence more inflammatory responses (asthma and allergies)

•  Histamine also suppresses antibody production, thus lowering immune defenses

•  Water and salt act as a natural antihistamine, reducing inflammatory responses and allergic reactions

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Allergic Reactions

•  With lowered antibody production and less water available for mucus and tear production, the body has a hard time discharging minor irritants like pollen, dust and animal dander

•  The body uses histamine to create an inflammatory reaction to “flush” irritants away from eyes and membranes

•  Antihistamines interfere with this process by “drying out” mucus membranes

•  Mucus, tears and sweat are all salty, so drinking water with salt helps promote tear, mucus and sweat production to flush away irritants without histamine

Asthma and Dehydration

•  A lot of moisture is lost through the lungs (especially when talking or exercising)

•  When there is a shortage of water, the bronchial passages constrict to reduce air flow and water loss through the lungs

•  Water and salt can stop an asthma attack •  Epinephrine inhalers dehydrate the lungs

further, creating a vicious cycle •  Asthma and allergies are closely related

and both can be “cured” by proper hydration

Water Therapy

•  Asthmatics and allergy sufferers need to drink as much as ¾ of an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day

•  Eliminate diuretic beverages –  Coffee, tea and sodas –  Alcohol

•  Use natural salt with water and food (about ½ teaspoon per day)

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Chinese Metal Element

•  The lungs (and colon) are the seat of the Chinese metal element

•  Metal energy is the swords and shields that allow us to defend ourselves

•  The “metal chi” is the body’s defensive energy

•  Unresolved grief damages the defensive chi

Western Phlegmatic

•  The western “water” or phlegmatic constitution was thought to have too much phlegm or mucus

•  This personality type is too yielding and have a hard time standing up for themselves

•  They may suffer a lot of grief and loss as a result of this

Grief and Respiratory Problems

•  It is not uncommon to see people develop respiratory problems after a significant loss

•  Often this is due to their failure to grieve their loss

•  Helping people grieve often eases respiratory ailments

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Symptoms and Emotions

•  Asthma – feeling unable to “breathe freely,” that is to be myself

•  Chronic Post Nasal Drip – internalized sadness and crying

•  Chronic Cough – need to get something “off my chest”

•  Pneumonia – many elderly people die of it within six months of losing their beloved spouse

Grieving

•  Grieving is not just crying; it is surrendering to the pain and may include –  Weeping –  Wailing –  Sobbing –  Convulsing –  Screaming –  Moaning –  Anguish

Flower Essences for Grief

•  Bleeding Heart – helps a person let go of what they lost

•  Borage – cheerful courage when facing loss or adversity

•  Love-Lies-Bleeding – remedy for profound grief and emotional anguish, where the person feels “cut off”

•  Wild Rose – rose is the “heart-opening” remedy, it comforts people after loss and emotional trauma

•  Yerba Santa – internalized grief, unable to breathe freely

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Building the Respiratory System

•  Pungent foods (spices)

•  Antioxidants •  Mucilaginous

Foods

Raising the Shields

•  In Chinese medicine pungent tasting foods are said to tonify the metal chi

•  They move blood and energy to the surface, which helps to flush microbes and irritants

•  Most spices are pungent, such as: –  Garlic and onions –  Chili peppers

(capsicum) –  Horseradish –  Thyme, rosemary and

oregano

Antioxidants

•  Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress to tissues

•  They can be very helpful for “cooling” allergic reactions and “hot” conditions in the lungs

•  Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, while decreasing consumption of grains, dairy and meat, can be very helpful for lung and sinus problems

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Mucilaginous Foods

•  No one is quite sure how it works, but mucilaginous herbs and foods help to moisten, soften and heal lung tissue

•  These include: –  Okra –  Slippery elm –  Barley water –  Marshmallow

Cleansing the Respiratory System

•  Don’t smoke •  Filter or clean

indoor air if you live in an area with a lot of air pollution

•  Don’t suppress mucus discharge

•  Digestive/respiratory connection

Smoking

•  Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your lungs

•  Helps to stopping smoking –  Lobelia –  B-complex vitamins –  Vitamin C –  Chamomile –  Nicotiana flower

essence

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Oxygen-Deprivation

•  Because of 100,000 plus environmental contaminant dumped into our atmosphere over the last 50 years, our atmospheric oxygen levels have been reduced in some major industrial cities from 21.9% to under 10%.

Air Purification

•  There are many devices which can be used to filter and purify air in your home

•  If you live in a highly polluted area, it may be a good idea to get one

Mucus

•  Mucus is what the respiratory passages use to flush out irritants

•  Stopping mucus discharge with antihistamines, cough suppressants, etc. interferes with this cleansing action

•  Instead, use water along with expectorants and decongestants to help the respiratory passages clear more efficiently

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The Digestive – Respiratory Connection

•  Both the lungs and the colon are part of the Chinese metal element

•  They are both lined with mucus membranes that act as primary lines of immune defense

•  Problems with the respiratory passages often link back to the digestive tract

•  Eliminating allergy-causing foods often decreases mucus congestion and allergic reactions in the lungs

•  Colon cleansing usually helps chronic sinus and respiratory problems

Foods that May Contribute to Respiratory Congestion

•  Dairy products •  Grains: wheat, corn, spelt, rye,

oats, barley •  Sugar and white flour •  Excess consumption of meat

without adequate intake of water and vegetables

•  Eggs •  Orange juice

Direct Aids for the Respiratory System

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Specific Indications! Chronic wheezing,

shortness of breath ! Person is pale and weak ! Chronic respiratory

infections! Poor resistance to

respiratory infections! Tongue pale with heavy

mucus coating! Respiratory conditions

aggravated by cold weather; tendency to get sick in the winter

! Pale cheeks! Pulse is weak and deep

Specific Indications! Thick mucus, often

discolored yellow! Later stages of a cold! Chronic sinus congestion

(sinusitis)! Tendency to sinus

headaches! Tongue thick with heavy

white or yellow coating! Pulse rolling or slippery! Chronic allergies and

hayfever! History of frequent ear

infections! Bronchitis! Symptoms aggravated by

dampness

Specific Indications! Dry, irritated,

unproductive cough! Dry mouth and skin! Chronic congestion with

scant mucus production ! Mucus difficult to expel! Tongue dry, may be thin

and cracked! Weakness in the lungs! Symptoms aggravated by

dry weather and wind! Unresolved grief and deep

sadness! Tendency to nosebleeds! Sunken checks, sallow

face! History of smoking! Emphysema, COPD,

asthma! Pulse is thin, weak

Specific Indications! Spastic or "whooping"

cough ! Acute asthma attacks and

asthma associated with anxiety

! Bronchial constriction due to tension, stress or weak adrenals

! Spastic pains in chest associated with breathing

! Pulse is wiry, hard, tense or bounding

! Difficulty breathing, gasping for air

! Respiratory symptoms with sudden, rapid onset

! Symptoms worse from movement

Specific Indications! Excessive production of

thin, watery mucus with drippy secretions

! Swollen lymph glands! Swollen tonsils! Swollen eustachian tubes

resulting in frequent earaches

! Tongue swollen with thick, moist coating

! Nosebleeds or coughing blood

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METABOLISM MOISTURE TONE

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All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHIN

Specific Indications! Thin, watery mucus

drainage, usually burning to tissues, later becoming congested

! Irritation, redness and itchiness to eyes and nose

! Rhinitis! Early stages of a cold! Tendency to fever and

irritability ! Red cheeks! Productive cough with

clear or white mucus! Acute allergies and

hayfever

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Respiratory Irritation Indications

  Thin, watery mucus drainage, usually burning to tissues, later becoming congested

  Irritation, redness and itchiness to eyes and nose

  Rhinitis   Early stages of a cold   Tendency to fever and

irritability   Red cheeks   Productive cough with

clear or white mucus   Acute allergies and

hayfever

Direct Aids   Herbs

–  Ambrosia (Ragweed) –  Butterbur –  Elderberry –  Eyebright –  Fritillary Bulb –  Goldenrod –  Lemon Juice –  Loquat –  Mangosteen –  Nettles –  Osha –  Plantain –  Pleurisy Root –  Rose Hips –  Schizandra Berries –  Wild Cherry Bark –  Yarrow

  Supplements –  Bioflavinoids (especially

Quercitin) –  Carotenoids –  Protease Enzymes –  Vitamin C

Respiratory Depression Indications

  Chronic wheezing, shortness of breath

  Person is pale and weak

  Chronic respiratory infections

  Poor resistance to respiratory infections

  Tongue pale with heavy mucus coating

  Respiratory conditions aggravated by cold weather; tendency to get sick in the winter

  Pale cheeks   Pulse is weak and deep

Direct Aids   Herbs

–  Astragalus –  Balm of Gilead –  Bitter Orange –  Elecampane –  Eucalyptus –  Garlic –  Ginger –  Goldenrod –  Horseradish –  Onion –  Plantain –  Platycodon –  Rosemary –  Thyme –  White Pine Bark –  Yerba Santa

Respiratory Stagnation Indications

  Thick mucus, often discolored yellow

  Later stages of a cold   Chronic sinus congestion

(sinusitis)   Tendency to sinus

headaches   Tongue thick with heavy

white or yellow coating   Pulse rolling or slippery   Chronic allergies and

hayfever   History of frequent ear

infections   Bronchitis   Symptoms aggravated by

dampness

Direct Aids   Herbs

–  Bitter Orange –  Burdock –  Coltsfoot –  Dandelion –  Echinacea –  Elecampane –  Goldenseal –  Gumweed (Grindelia) –  Horehound –  Loquat –  Oregon Grape –  Osha –  Skunk Cabbage –  Yerba Santa

  Supplements –  Protease Enzymes

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Respiratory Atrophy Indications

  Dry, irritated, unproductive cough

  Dry mouth and skin   Chronic congestion with

scant mucus production   Mucus difficult to expel   Tongue dry, may be thin

and cracked   Weakness in the lungs   Symptoms aggravated by

dry weather and wind   Unresolved grief and deep

sadness   Tendency to nosebleeds   Sunken checks, sallow

face   History of smoking   Emphysema, COPD,

asthma   Pulse is thin, weak

Direct Aids   Herbs

–  Astragalus –  Codonopsis –  Coltsfoot –  Comfrey –  Cordyceps –  Elecampane –  Fritillary Bulb –  Gumweed (Grindelia) –  Horsetail –  Inmortal –  Licorice –  Mullein –  Marshmallow –  Plantain –  Pleurisy Root –  Prince Seng –  Schizandra –  Slippery Elm –  Spikenard, American

Respiratory Constriction Indications

  Spastic or "whooping" cough

  Acute asthma attacks and asthma associated with anxiety

  Bronchial constriction due to tension, stress or weak adrenals

  Spastic pains in chest associated with breathing

  Pulse is wiry, hard, tense or bounding

  Difficulty breathing, gasping for air

  Respiratory symptoms with sudden, rapid onset

  Symptoms worse from movement

Direct Aids   Herbs

–  Black Cohosh –  Gumweed (Grindelia) –  Inmortal –  Khella –  Licorice –  Lobelia –  Platycodon –  Pleurisy Root –  Skunk Cabbage –  Thyme –  Yerba Santa

  Supplements –  Magnesium Complex –  Pantothenic Acid

Respiratory Relaxation Indications

  Excessive production of thin, watery mucus with drippy secretions

  Swollen lymph glands

  Swollen tonsils   Swollen Eustachian

tubes resulting in frequent earaches

  Tongue swollen with thick, moist coating

  Nosebleeds or coughing blood

Direct Aids  Herbs

–  Ambrosia (Ragweed) –  Bayberry –  Brigham Tea

(Western Ephedra) –  Eyebright –  Horsetail –  Sage –  White Oak Bark –  Yerba Santa

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Question and Answer Time