Improving Lung Function (COPD) - Oxygenation Benefits
Here are some very simple ways to improve lung function. There are many benefits to Oxygenating the body all the way from disease prevention to more energy. Not to mention a calmer disposition a hallmark of meditation. In particular, improving lung function for those with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma, Emphysema it can be a matter of life and death
Insufficient Oxygen means insufficient biological energy that can result in anything from mild fatigue to life threatening disease. Dr Otto Warburg, twice Nobel Laureate, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1931 for discovering the cause of cancer. He said: "Cancer, above all other diseases, has countless secondary causes, but there is only one prime cause. Summary: the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the normal oxygen respiration of the body cells by an anaerobic (i.e. lacking in Oxygen) cell respiration." In other words, the growth of cancer cells is initiated by a relative lack of Oxygen. Further lack of Oxygen can force the heart to compensate a most dangerous situation for an ailing heart....
Most of us tend to emphasize the inhalation phase of breathing and tend to neglect the exhalation phase. This deprives the lungs of their full potential to effectively exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide. Breathing exercises enforce good habits where the full range of lung function is used. Consequently, the body gets the oxygen it needs, this not only feels better, but provides more energy. In fact Yoga and other meditation methods often use techniques to enhance breathing. Hence exhaling deeply forces us to breath deeper thus increasing oxygen uptake exactly what we need!
A device similar to Spirometer discussed in "Breathing Training" below but far superior is the PowerLung. This as discussed above not only exercises inhalation muscles but also the exhalation ones thus, enhancing deeper breathing. A brief history of the device is here.
See also:
The effects of respiratory muscle training on older females.
Mark L. Watsford, Aron J. Murphy, Matthew J. Pine, Aaron J. Coutts. Human Performance Laboratory, University of Technology, Sydney.Resveratrol mist (a chemical found in red wine, grapes, olive oil) may have various health benefits, including possible protection of the lungs.
For a comprehensive look at the importance and benefits a read: "Flood Your Body With Oxygen Therapy for Our Polluted World" by "Mr. Oxygen" Ed McCabe
Chris Gupta
Note: Many articles regarding COPD on the web recommend vaccinations to prevent complications from lung infections. Contrary to the popular belief the flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness.
The flu vaccine, whether in the shot or nasal form, is worthless at best and should be avoided. Not only are they loaded with toxic chemicals including mercury and aluminum, but many people come down with the flu shortly after receiving the shot. This is because it actually weakens the immune system, making the person more predisposed to the illness.
Launching a immune response among immune compromised will have the opposite effect particular in the an venerable groups such as the elderly and/or those who are nutritionally compromised
For more see: Should You Get The Flu Shot?
See also: Vaccines Often The Cause of "Multiple Sclerosis & Other DEMYELINATING Diseases"
CG
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Breathing Exercises
Pursed-Lip Breathing. A technique called pursed-lip breathing can help improve lung function before starting activities. It takes about 10 minutes. When first learning the technique, the patient should lie flat on a bed with his or her head on a pillow. Later, the technique can be performed while walking or enduring any activity requiring extra air.
First, the patient inhales through the nose, moving the abdominal muscles outward so that the diaphragm lowers and the lungs fill with air.
The patient then exhales through the mouth with the lips pursed, making a hissing sound.
The exhalation should be twice as long as the inhalation, so that pressure is experienced in the windpipe, and chest and trapped air is forced out.Breath Holding and Coughing. A simple technique is to inhale deeply and slowly, holding the breath for five to 10 seconds. Then the patient coughs on exhalation.
Physical Exercise
Certain physical exercise may be very helpful.
Strengthening Exercises for the Limbs. Exercising and strengthening the limb muscles helps some patients improve their endurance and reducing breathlessness.
Walking. In studies of lung rehabilitation, regular exercise increases walking distance and improves breathing. Walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema. Patients should try to walk three to four times daily for five to 15 minutes each time. Devices that assist ventilation may reduce breathlessness that occurs during exercise.
Yoga and Eastern Practices. Yoga or tai chi practices, which use deep breathing and meditation techniques, may be particularly beneficial for COPD patients. A clinical trial is underway to determine if yoga is helpful for COPD patients.
Breath Training
Inspiratory Muscle Training and Incentive Spirometer. Inspiratory muscle training involves exercises and devices that make inhaling more difficult in order to strengthen breathing muscles. In a 2001 study, patients who took part in a training group improved their breathing, walking capacity, and quality of life. The use of an incentive spirometer for 15 minutes twice a day may also be helpful as part of a training program. It also helps loosen sputum. This is a small hand-held device that contains a breathing gauge. The patient exhales and then inhales forcefully through the tube, using the pressure of the inhalation to raise the gauge to the highest level possible. A device called a peak inspiratory flow (PIF) meter measures the patients ability to draw air into the lungs and assesses the fitness of the breathing muscles.
Minimizing Airborne Contaminants
As much as possible, a patient should avoid exposure to airborne irritants, including hair sprays, aerosol products, paint sprayers, and insecticides.
To minimize the amount of contaminants in the home, the following may be helpful measures:
Ventilate by keeping windows open (weather permitting), by using exhaust fans for stoves and vents for furnaces, and by keeping fireplace flues open.
Make sure wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are well ventilated and meet the Environmental Protection Agency's safety standards and burn pressed wood products labeled "exterior grade" since they contain the least amount of pollutants from resins.Have furnaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned periodically.
Eliminate molds and mildews stemming from household water damage.
People who are sensitive to allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, house dust, and mold, should avoid exposure to them.
posted by Chris Gupta on Friday May 18 2007
URL of this article:
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2007/05/18/improving_lung_function_copd_oxygenation_benefits.htm
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