Harnessing Breath: Breathwork to Boost Immunity for Allergies and Autoimmune Conditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmreRKhJWN0

This simple exercise using breathwork to boost immunity for allergies and autoimmune conditions has amazing effects.

Understanding Wind Conditions in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, these conditions are referred to as “wind.” There are two kinds of wind conditions: External and Internal. Wind is characterized by symptoms associated with pathogenic factors like germs, microbes, and pollen. These factors cause symptoms that come and go. You can think of them as things transported in the air, much like the wind itself.

External Wind Conditions

External wind refers to conditions such as colds, flus, allergies, and some muscle aches or spasms that occur suddenly. You may have experienced muscle aches alongside the early signs of a cold or flu. These symptoms can be sudden and disruptive.

Internal Wind Conditions

Internal wind refers to chronic conditions that come and go, such as certain autoimmune disorders. In these cases, inflammatory immune responses lead to “flare-ups.” These flare-ups can be seasonal or seem entirely random.

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Immune Function

This particular breathing exercise increases levels of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is a gasotransmitter generated by phagocytes, including monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. These cells are vital to the immune system. They protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells. Nitric Oxide is toxic to bacteria and intracellular parasites.

Gasotransmitters consist of three types of gaseous signaling molecules: Nitric Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide. All these molecules rely on oxygen to perform their functions. They bind with gasoreceptors, triggering signaling in cells.

In simplified terms, gasotransmitters are how cells communicate. They regulate protein synthesis and various systems in the body, including the Immune, Cardiovascular, Nervous, and Gastrointestinal systems. Some researchers believe this can be directly translated as “Qi” 氣 in Chinese Medicine. This concept is regulated by acupuncture and herbal medicine. The literal translation from Chinese to English of Qi/氣 is gas or air vapor.

Research on Nitric Oxide and Acupuncture

Recent research has shown elevated levels of Nitric Oxide in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of acupoints and acupuncture channels in rats. This elevation is associated with enhanced expression of Nitric Oxide synthase. Studies have demonstrated significantly higher concentrations in specific acupoints compared to non-acupuncture channel control areas in humans. These findings suggest that Nitric Oxide signaling molecules contribute to the specificity of acupoints. They may also play a role in the mechanisms of acupuncture, including pain relief via Nitric Oxide, which causes vasodilation, increases blood flow, and carries natural analgesic substances in the blood.

Additionally, gasotransmitters are produced by gut microbiota. The gasotransmitters produced by gut microbiota can influence immune system regulation, respiratory conditions, the nervous system, and various neurological conditions. Chinese herbal medicine modulates the gut environment, which, like acupuncture, may affect gasotransmitters. This could be an important aspect of the medicine.

Breathing Techniques and Their Impact

Certain breathing techniques can influence the regulation of gasotransmitters in the body, affecting different systems. The technique I am showing you now regulates the immune system. Other techniques can help regulate the nervous system and hormones. Breathing techniques that regulate gasotransmitters are powerful tools. They can help manage stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. I will share other techniques for different purposes in future articles.

Out of the three known gasotransmitters, two are emphasized in breathing techniques to elicit a response in the body: Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide. The amounts of these gaseous molecules vary in the body. Low amounts are beneficial, while absence or excessive amounts are toxic. Balance is key when choosing particular breathing techniques to manipulate the dosage of these molecules. Both Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide cause smooth muscle to relax, resulting in vasodilation and increased blood flow.

The Effects of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide

However, Nitric Oxide causes a heating response in the body, while Hydrogen Sulfide induces a cooling response. Nitric Oxide affects large blood vessels more, while Hydrogen Sulfide impacts smaller blood vessels. Higher doses of Nitric Oxide stimulate the Sympathetic Nervous System, responsible for the body’s fight or flight response. This prepares the body for immediate action, triggering the release of stress hormones, increased blood glucose levels, and heightened alertness. Conversely, higher doses of Hydrogen Sulfide stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting rest and digestion.

The Breathing Technique for Immune Support

The breathwork featured here to boost immunity for allergies, and autoimmune conditions increases Nitric Oxide, regulates the immune system, warms the body, and opens the pores to stimulate sweating. Use it when you experience early symptoms of a cold or flu, sinus allergies, post-nasal drip, or if you suffer from an autoimmune condition.

For acute conditions, you can practice this technique as many times as you like. For chronic conditions, do it twice a day.

Steps for the Breathing Technique

1. Sit upright. Inhale as deeply as possible and hold for a minimum of 30 seconds (go longer if this is too easy).

2. Exhale through your nose, making a humming sound. Try to create a vibrational sensation in your nose. When you completely exhale, go directly into inhaling as deeply as you can again.

3. Repeat this at least eight times.

   
   

By the eighth time, you should feel hot, especially in the face and neck, ideally with some perspiration. Please note that some people, especially those with autoimmune conditions, may not sweat easily. It may take several sessions before sweating occurs.

Please try this powerful gasotransmitter therapy for the immune system. I hope you find it extremely useful!

Conclusion

Incorporating breathing techniques into your daily routine can significantly enhance your immune response. By understanding the role of gasotransmitters and how to manipulate them through breath, you can take control of your health. This simple yet effective method can be a game-changer for those dealing with allergies and autoimmune conditions.

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