: Reflexology and Asthma

[Marryly]

Asthma is a respiratory disease in which spasm and constriction of the bronchial passages and swelling of their mucous lining cause obstruction of breathing, often due to allergy, particularly to dust, animal fur or feathers, moulds, and pollen. Many people with allergic asthma, also called atopic or extrinsic asthma, also suffer from hay fever. Asthma in adults is less likely to be caused by allergy, and more likely to be associated with respiratory infections and emotional upsets. Non-allergic asthma is called intrinsic asthma.


A reflexology treatment can aid the breathing process generally by stimulating all organs in the respiratory system. The deep relaxation effect of reflexology is also important in relation to asthma as this can help reduce anxiety, which often impairs effective intake of oxygen.

Expert have found Reflexology particularly useful in easing attacks of wheazing associated with stressful situations. Working on the solar plexus and the lung reflexes has proved to be particularly helpful for my son when he has had a mild attack and his inhaler hasn't been available. Obviously it is important to be aware of the limitations of using Reflexology in an emergency situation. However, a course of regular treatment may well lead to a reduction in symptoms.

Join and discuss the asthma in the tcmadvisory forum.

[drbalo]

Is there any study that you can show us reflexology helps in asthma?

[merlyn333]

Can you recognize the many common and uncommon symptoms of asthma? Without a good understanding of the different asthma symptoms and the various types of asthma, it’s difficult to treat this condition with medications and breathe easier.

Symptoms
Asthma Symptoms

Do you have to wheeze in order to have asthma? Not at all! Discover the specific signs and symptoms of asthma. Find out how early treatment can help you manage asthma symptoms and live an active life.

Asthma Attack Symptoms

Do you know the early warning signs of an asthma attack? Read more about asthma attack symptoms so you can prevent an emergency.

Unusual Asthma Symptoms

Sometimes asthma symptoms include sighing, fatigue, and rapid breathing, not coughing or wheezing. Learn more about unusual asthma symptoms so you know when to use treatment.

Types of Asthma
Do you know about the different  types of asthma? Learn about these types so you can seek effective treatment when you do have a breathing problem.

Allergic Asthma
Do allergies make you cough, wheeze, and sneeze? Read more about allergic asthma, so you can prevent these symptoms.

Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma can make physical activity difficult, even frightening. Find out about pretreatment with exercise-induced asthma, and learn how you can be active again.

Cough-Variant Asthma
Do you suffer from frequent coughs? You may have asthma. Read about cough-variant asthma and how it is treated.

Occupational Asthma (Work-Related Asthma)
Is your asthma work-related? Learn about asthma in the workplace and how to prevent an asthma attack.

Nocturnal Asthma (Nighttime Asthma)
Does asthma keep you awake at night? Discover the signs and symptoms, prevention, and treatment of nocturnal asthma so you can get quality sleep.

Health Conditions That Mimic Asthma
Are you sure it's asthma? Asthma mimics, including cardiac asthma and vocal cord dysfunction, may have similar symptoms but are treated differently.

[amanda]

the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms varies markedly from one person to another. a typical attack, often occurs during the night, begins with coughing and shortness of breath, but some experience a dry cough maybe the only symptoms. attacks usually subside after few hours, change into a moist cough that brings large amount of mucus. status asthmaticus, a prolonged attack that persists despite treatment with drugs, is a particularly severe and sometimes fatal form of the disease, and usually requires hospitalization. Some children with asthma stop having attacks when they reach adulthood. In 2002 it was discovered that the gene ADAM33, which is present in about 40 per cent of sufferers, plays a crucial role in making the airways of the lungs highly sensitive, thus increasing the risk of asthma.

[Arthur]

This is good to know. Although, in most cases, what I know is that asthma is hereditary. I just cannot see scientifically the connection between asthma and reflexology.