 During my
first year of medical school I experienced the
benefits of osteopathic manipulation for
asthma. As a child, I hadsignificant
difficulties with allergies and asthma.
Gradually my symptoms lessened as I matured.
But even in college and medical school I
struggled with frequent upper respiratory
illnesses.
In medical school, the extra time I spent in
the anatomy lab preparing for exams triggered
asthma symptoms. This proved to be frustrating
as I needed more energy, not less.
Fortunately, I had been paired with a
second-year student with a keen interest in
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
(OMT).
He treated me and to my surprise the feelings
of shortness of breath dissipated. I was
relieved to find that I no longer needed
inhaled medication. Furthermore, despite the
continuing intensity of medical school, the
frequency of my upper respiratory infections
began to abate. Having suffered for many years
from the aggravating effects of asthma and
allergic sensitivities I experienced the
benefits of OMT first hand. How I wish my
family had been introduced to the benefits of
OMT when I was a child!
Rather than merely suppressing symptoms,
osteopathic medicine addresses the underlying
disturbances in the body's mechanisms. In
asthma, medications are prescribed to cause
dilation of the bronchioles. However, through
properly applied manipulation, the body can be
stimulated to release its own supply of these
same chemicals. Proper circulation is
absolutely necessary for effective function of
the lungs. The arteries supply nutrition to
vital organs and tissues in the body, while
its counterpart returns the deoxygenated blood
back to the heart through the veins.
Osteopathic manipulation strengthens these
vital pathways while removing road blocks to
the body's natural healing process.
Have you ever tried to take a deep breath
with your rib cage locked? It is very
difficult. Another goal in the osteopathic
treatment of asthma is to create free motion
in the rib cage and thoracic diaphragm.
Osteopathic techniques to enhance drainage of
the lymph nodes also help the immune system
with its housecleaning tasks. OMT can also be
effective when a child has taken a hard fall.
Many times a fall to the tailbone will trigger
an asthma attack in a child. This is due to
the relation of the tailbone to the
"primary response mechanism" .
Making sure the sacrum (tailbone) is moving
properly is very important in successfully
treating asthma.
Nutrition happens to be one of the best
weapons in the prevention of asthmatic
episodes. There is a clear relationship
between poor nutrition and bronchial
difficulties caused by asthma.
A healthy diet should include fresh fruits,
vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Vitamin C, bioflavinoids, ginger and tumeric
help reduce inflammation. Foods that promote
inflammation such as fried foods, junk food,
smoked or barbecued foods, and partially
hydrogenated foods should be avoided as well
as mucus-forming foods including milk, sugar,
refined flour, and most dairy products. It is
important to read labels and avoid all
chemicals and additives. Do you know that
modified wheat starch contained in many
cereals and processed foods is
"modified" by six chemicals all of
which can cause allergies and asthma? Food is
one of our best medicines-- use it
wisely!
Asthma can also be triggered by airborne
substances. Asthmatic attacks are commonly
triggered by smoke, high pollen counts,
vacuuming, dust, animal hairs, and mold
growth. Using a hepa filter on all filtering
machines, keeping your windows closed from 5
a.m.to 10 a.m. during high pollen count
periods, and vacuuming with a sealed system
with a hepa filter attached will reduce
exposure. Routine cleaning and dusting of
bedding reduces build up and the invitation
for an airborne substance to trigger an
asthmatic episode.Washing sheets in hot water
kills dust mites and cleaning with vinegar or
a 10% bleach solution will prevent mold
growth.
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is an
effective means of treating and managing
asthmatic conditions for children. Coupled
with a strong nutritional and environmental
program I have seen amazing transformations in
health-- for all family members!
I wish you all the best in health!
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