Natural Asthma Prevention: The Secrets Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You

Introduction

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been through the ringer with asthma and its seemingly relentless symptoms. But what if I told you that there are some secrets that your doctor might not have shared with you? Now, I’m not here to bash the medical profession. Truly, I am not. The thing is, doctors often don’t have the time or the knowledge about breathing to share these natural asthma prevention secrets with you.

As an experienced Buteyko Method Instructor who specialises in asthma, I’m here to spill the beans on what could be game-changers for you. These secrets might just see you overcome asthma.

The Overuse of Medications

Okay, let’s dive in. You know that trusty inhaler that’s always within arm’s reach? It’s like a lifeline when those wheezy moments strike. But did you ever wonder if there’s a downside to using it a little too often? That lifeline can become a crutch. You can rely on it when you don’t really need it.

I’m not judging. I’m speaking from experience. I used to race to my inhaler – well as fast as an out of breath asthmatic could – anytime I felt symptoms coming on. It took me years to understand that I didn’t always need my inhaler. And in the last year, I’ve literally taken less than 10 puffs.

Before you jump to any unsafe conclusions, I am not saying don’t use your inhaler. Inhalers are great. All I am saying is that you might not have to rely on it and you can learn methods than mean you can work through symptoms without an inhaler (which is good if you’re ever in need and an inhaler isn’t at hand).

The Role of Breathing Habits

Breathing is such a natural process, we hardly give it a second thought. But here’s the kicker: improper breathing habits could be messing with your asthma symptoms.

Shallow breathing? Yep, that’s one big problem. You see, when you don’t breathe deep, satisfying breaths, you don’t breathe efficiently and effectively and that makes you want to breathe too much.

Mouth breathing? This is the big one! Your mouth isn’t made for breathing. So, keep it shut. Breathe through your nose and you’ll find your symptoms starting to improve. Nasal breathing filters, warms, moistens, and slows the air before it reaches your lungs. It makes for high-quality breathing.

Breathing Retraining

Okay, now let’s talk about the Buteyko Method – my secret weapon and now yours too. It’s all about retraining your breathing habits so that those annoying symptoms are reduced or even eliminated.

It’s actually pretty simple to learn. I generally teach the entire arsenal in four sessions. It involves techniques like nasal breathing (which feels oddly satisfying), controlled breath holds (trust me, it’s a breath of fresh air – see what I did there!?), and reduced breathing exercises that naturally prevent asthma symptoms (this is the key).

When I first heard about The Buteyko Method I thought it sounded like a load of nonsense even though I was looking for natural asthma prevention methods. It seemed entirely over complicated. But that was down to the instructor. Thankfully, I persisted and learned how simple and effective these exercises can be. And, then it was sayonara asthma!

The Importance of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Who would’ve thought that carbon dioxide could be your asthma superhero? Most people think it’s just a waste product. CO2 actually helps relax your airways, acting as a bronchodilator in disguise.

But here’s the kicker: shallow breathing and over breathing reduce CO2 levels, making your airways throw a bit of a tizzy. Enter the Buteyko Method – it’s all about normalising CO2 levels and for smoother breathing and happier lungs.

Stress and Asthma

Ah, stress – the arch-nemesis of calm breathing. Have you ever noticed how stress seems to invite asthma symptoms to the party? It’s like they’re BFFs or something. Stress triggers shallow breathing, and guess what happens? You got it – asthma symptoms step through your door, uninvited.

The Buteyko Method exercises have relaxation embedded in the process. You don’t have to do anything extra to give stress the boot.

Check Your Environment

Let’s talk your digs. Your surroundings could be housing asthma triggers like sneaky ninjas. The key is working out what your triggers are. Then you can start to systematically eradicate them like a ninja hunter from a bad (but oh so good) 80s movie.

Some common triggers are dust, dust mites, pollen, dogs and cats, mould, perfume, and laundry detergents.

My mum used to wash with some awful fake smelling laundry powder that clung to my clothes and I inhaled all day for years. I never knew that it was causing so much airway restriction until I started using a natural, low tox product. Perhaps, there are things like that affecting your breathing?

Connecting the Dots: Mind and Body

You know that mind-body connection everyone’s talking about? Well, it’s not just for yoga and meditation enthusiasts. Your thoughts and emotions can play a significant role in asthma too. Stress and anxiety, those not-so-welcome visitors, can trigger symptoms. It’s like they’re having a party in your airways, and you’re left dealing with the aftermath.

If you really want to take your breathing prowess to the next level, adding a dedicated, intentional practice can really help. You just carve out 20 minutes or more in your day to sit (or lie down) and breathe with focus. It’s like practicing a musical instrument or any other skill, the more you practice the better you get. With breathing practice, the more your practice, the stronger your mind-body connection becomes.

The Power of Patience

Let’s be real – managing asthma isn’t a quick fix. It’s a journey, and like any journey, it requires patience. The Buteyko Method isn’t a magical potion that wipes away symptoms overnight. It’s more like a steady climb up a mountain, where every step counts. Consistency is key. Over time, as you practice the techniques and make them a part of your routine, you’ll start to notice changes that’ll leave you pleasantly surprised.

Finding Your Support System

Embarking on the asthma management journey is easier when you have a support system. It could be your family, friends, or even an online community of fellow asthma warriors. Sharing your experiences, learning from others, and cheering each other on can make a world of difference. Remember, you’re not in this alone.

And don’t forget your doctor. Even if they didn’t share these – ahem – amazing secrets with you, they are still an essential part of your health and wellness team.

Taking Charge of Your Asthma Story

You have more control over your asthma story than you might think. It’s about understanding the intricacies of your body, adopting techniques that empower you, and making informed choices for your ongoing well-being.

Do you need help?

As an experienced Buteyko Method Instructor specialising in asthma, I’m here to help you. If you need help right now, book a free call and we can quickly discuss how you can naturally prevent asthma.