It would be nice to breathe optimally without thinking about it. Unfortunately, most of us have developed numerous bad breathing habits, which serve to deliver sub-optimal health. “Breathing To Heal” teaches us how to breathe optimally and efficiently. It also teaches us the physiology of breathing, various techniques for clearing our sinuses and airways, herbs that increase lung health, how to breathe around polluted environments, and how to breathe with different postures, positions and frames of mind. Techniques of pranayama, tai chi, hatha yoga and qigong are also discussed, along with breath control and the Buteyko technique. Allergens and filtration systems are also reviewed. This is a complete and practical book on becoming a better breather every day.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter One: The Physiology of Breathing
The Nasal Cavity and Sinuses
The Airways
The Alveoli
Respiration
Inspiration
The Pressure Exchange
Cellular Respiration
Exhalation
Acidosis and Alkalinity
Atmospheric Pressure
Lung Capacity and Breathing Flow
Airway Mucosal Membranes
The Respiratory Cilia
Chapter Two: The Stuff We Breathe
Air Pollution
Ozone
Particulates
Fragrances
Toxic Household Materials
Microorganisms
Asbestos
Formaldehyde
Other Building Materials
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Oxide
Radon
Transportation Air
Occupational Airborne Toxins
Cooking and Heating
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Dust Mites and Pet Dander
Sick Homes and Buildings
First-, Second- and Third-Hand Smoking
Pollen
Insect Endotoxins
Animal Dander
Weather
Positive Ions
Reducing Toxic Air
The Need for Ventilation
Chapter Three: Breathing Problems
Asthma
Other Lung Conditions
Inflamed Airways
Airway Hypersensitivity and Remodeling
Nasal Neuropeptides and the Stuffy Nose
Chapter Four: Strategies for Lung Health
The Breathing Diet
A Few Herbs for Lung Health
Breathing Abnormalities
Anxiety, Stress and Depression
Chapter Five: Breathing Better
Increasing Breathing Capacity
Breathing Techniques
Breathing Postures
Breathing Through the Nose
Clearing the Nasal Passages
Outdoor Air Pollution Strategies
Home Pollution Strategies
Work and School Pollution Strategies
Staying Relaxed to Breathe
Tracking our Breathing Capacity
References and Bibliography
Index
