The time spent self isolating at home to help stem the pace of the Coronavirus can be used effectively to boost your immunity and learn how to stay fit and healthy. Our lungs play a crucial role in our daily health by bringing in oxygen into the body and expelling gases such as carbon dioxide out. Maintaining the health of the lungs is vital for supporting the rest of the body’s strength and health. In these trying times, natural lung detoxification techniques can benefit people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, regular smokers and those who live and commute in heavily polluted cities may be able to use some of the techniques outlined in this article to help cleanse the lungs of mucus and irritants and alleviate uncomfortable chest symptoms.
Natural Ways To Detoxify Your Lungs
Steam therapy
Referred to as steam therapy or steam inhalation, individuals would inhale water vapour to clear the airways and expel mucus from the lungs. People afflicted with lung conditions generally experience a worsening of their symptoms in cold or dry air. Likewise, cold and dry climates may dehydrate the mucous membranes in the lungs airways and prevent adequate blood circulation. On the other hand, steam therapy injects warmth and moisture to the air, thereby alleviating breathing difficulties, help dissolve mucus found in the airways and lungs, and provides instant relief. Steam therapy can be practised as a temporary treatment as researchers require in-depth research of the benefits of steam therapy on lungs.
Controlled coughing
The body forces us to cough as a way of ridding itself of toxins stuck in mucus. Similarly, controlled coughing helps the lungs let go of mucus by expelling it though the airways. Medical experts encourage those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder to regularly practise this exercise and improve their lung health. Simply follow the steps below to detoxify the lungs of trapped mucus.
Sit on a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Relax your shoulders.
Fold your arms over the stomach.
Inhale through your nose gently and slowly.
Lean forward a little, with both arms pushed against your stomach. Exhale slowly.
Cough while exhaling at least twice while slightly opening the mouth.
Inhale through your nose slowly.
Rest and repeat as necessary.
Bring Up Mucus From the Lungs
A technique called postural drainage uses gravity to get rid of mucus from the lungs by having the patient lie down in different positions. Postural drainage technique varies depending on the position such as:
1.Back
Lie down on the floor or bed.
Place pillows under the hips so that your chest is lower than your hips
Inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through your mouth. Each exhale should be longer than inhale. This breathing pattern is known as 1:2 breathing.
Keep this up for a couple of minutes
2.Side
Lie on your side and rest your head on a pillow
Place pillows under your hips
Breathe using the 1:2 technique
Keep this up for a couple of minutes
Switch to the other side and repeat.
3.Stomach
Place a couple of pillows on the floor.
Lie down on your stomach over the pillows. Ensure your hips are above the chest.
Place arms under the head
Breathe using the 1:2 technique
Keep this up for a couple of minutes.
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve one’s physical and mental health, reducing the likelihood of acquiring various illnesses such as stroke and heart disease. Exercise causes the muscles to work harder, thereby accelerating breathing rate, supplying muscles with a large amount of oxygen. Working out helps enhance circulation, efficiently ridding the body of carbon dioxide created during exercise.
Despite difficulties of physical activity faced by those with chronic lung conditions, these people may benefit from regular exercise. Individuals with COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis should still seek advice from their doctor prior to taking up a new exercise routine.
Drink Green Tea
Drinking green tea often can miraculously help protect lung tissue from the hazardous effects of pollution and even smoke inhalation. This is because green tea contains a variety of antioxidants responsible for reducing lung inflammation. Recent studies have discovered that people who consume at least 2 cups of green tea daily had enhanced lung function than those who do not drink tea.
Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
Fruits packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammation compounds can help relieve lung congestion symptoms and ease breathing. The following foods help beat inflammation:
- Cherries
- Turmeric
- Lentils
- Blueberries
- Leafy green vegetables
- Olives
- Walnuts
- Beans
Yoga
An outstanding option for low-impact exercise, yoga employs both physical poses and breathing techniques to bring about physical therapy and mental fitness. Basic yoga helps enhance energy levels and strengthens muscles. However, it is best to not overdo the poses and push yourself too soon. Individuals with lung conditions should take their time to gradually get used to the poses and avoid any position that might restrict breathing. There are yoga classes headed by qualified teachers available for people with health issues. However, you should consult your healthcare provider and obtain a clearance prior to performing any kind of exercise.
Breathing Techniques
Practising breathing techniques regularly can help relieve stress, panic, and anxiety. These steps are quick and easy to follow and can be performed daily anywhere.
You can either stand up, sit on a chair that supports your back, lie on a bed or a yoga mat.
Prepare yourself by wearing clothes that do not restrict your breathing.
If you are lying down, place your arms with palms up, at a distance from your sides. Straighten your legs.
If you want to sit, rest your arms on the chair arms.
If you are sitting or standing, place both feet on the ground.
Inhale deeply and let your breath flow down your belly. Do this gently and do not force yourself.
Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
Inhale slowly and gently. Hold your breath and count from 1 – 5. Do not force yourself if you are unable to hold your breath for long.
Then gently exhale.
Continue for 3 to 5 minutes.
At Orion Healing Center located in the wonderful island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, a prime tourist destination for travelers from around the world, we provide life changing worldclass detox programs and retreats tailored for each individual according to their health, lifestyle, gender and age. Schedule your next trip with us today!
