Chest

Obstructive Lung Diseases – Include Asthma, bronchitis and Emphysema and these diseases are known collectively as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Treatment would be the same for all COPD conditions with Herbal remedies, Acupuncture, Lifestyle assessment and Hypnotherapy to stop smoking.

Asthma – Is an inflammatory disease where the airways become hypersensitive to air pollution, allergies, infection, drugs, exertion and emotional triggers. Any one or all of these can cause the smooth muscle fibres in the bronchi to contract narrowing the airways leading to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It becomes increasingly harder to breath out and breathing in becomes restricted.

Bronchitis – This is an inflammation of the bronchi the tubes that lead down into the lung matter or air-sacs. It can be caused by throat infections that spread down into the lungs, or by irritants such as pollution or smoking. The bronchi secrete excessive amounts of mucus to protect the lungs resulting in a phlegm cough. Treatment would also involve Hypnotherapy for those who smoke.

Emphysema – Occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become enlarged and damaged, which reduces the surface area able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This will in turn cause breathlessness made worse by infections.

Coughing – The membranes that line the bronchial tubes into the lungs are infected leading to inflammation and irritation. The cough reflex is activated to remove this irritation and if it cannot be expelled the membranes produce excess mucus to combat the irritation leading to a mucus cough. Treatment will be with Acupuncture, Herbal remedies and Hypnotherapy for smoking if this is the cause of the cough.

Rib Injuries – Inflammation between one of the ribs and the breastbone (costochondritis) occurs when there is excessive wear and tear on the joint due to trunk and rib cage rotation or from an impact with a solid object. The area is painful to touch and is aggravated by movement. Treatment will be Acupuncture and Herbal remedies.

Stress Fractures – Of the ribs occur when there is over-use of the arms in a rowing movement as the muscles required originate from the ribs. Damaged bone is removed and replaced with new bone but sometimes the new bone cannot form quickly enough causing a stress fracture in the overstressed bone structure. Pain is over the rib and develops slowly over weeks and increases with exercise. Treatment will be Acupuncture and Herbal remedies.
Chest Pains – Caused by heart conditions will always be referred to the hospital or GP depending on severity. Once the pain has been diagnosed by a specialist, treatment at the clinic can commence on a one to one basis with reference to symptoms and cause of the illness. Issues such as High Blood Pressure, palpitations, heart arrhythmia’s, Peripheral Arterial disease, Reynaud’s disease and varicose veins may benefit from Acupuncture, Herbal remedies and general relaxation gained from Massage and Reflexology.

Coronary Artery Disease, Atherosclerosis and Angina – Are all related to the damage caused to the arteries leading to the blood flow being blocked or slowed. This will be due to fatty deposits and scarring of the artery walls due to poor diet and inflammation and will be addressed based on the symptoms and cause. Acupuncture and Herbal remedies may benefit these diseases along with Hypnotherapy for weight loss, Reflexology and Massage for relaxation.