asthma

does anyone else train with this condition i am quite new to the art and have found the increased workouts have bought on asthma, this isnt going to stop me training one bit just wondered what everyone else does who has this condition or any tips.


thanks

See your doctor. When my coughing increased on the mat I talked to my doctor. Not training is not an option (if I can help it). He asked if I run out of breath. I answered "All the time". Sometimes we train pretty hard. He gave me an inhaler to use just before class. It helps a lot but I still cough sometimes. I have had an alergy asthma since i was little. I do not notice it if I cough. My blood pressure medication can cause a cough also. So it is just always there. You can manage it and train just fine.

Suggestions. Bring your inhaler (if you have one). Let people know about your condition. If you have severe asthma consider a dust mask if you help with cleaning. Sweeping our mat really hurts some of the folks with asthma at the dojo I train at. We have at least 5 asthmatics, some pretty severe. Sit down and watch if you really start having problems. YMMV

Good luck,
Mark

Assuming the dojo is thoroughly and regularly cleaned, the type of mat you work out on can greatly affect Things. I've noticed that people working on rubberized tatami have less issues than those working on the stretched-canvas mats, because of what I call the "carpet" factor -- many of those canvas mats have a layer of used carpeting under them, and really hold onto dust. The rubberized tatami can be cleaned more thoroughly (wet mop).

I am not a physician so my advice is purely personal/anecdotal ; but I've been asthmatic since 6 months old. I've been through a lot of regimes over the years.

I still carry my salbutimol (Ventolin)with me just in case (it works almost instantly when I have an acute attack). Pulmicort (which is a prophylactic) has/ is is working the best for me. I've reduced the dosage over time to 1 inhalation per day verses 2 times 2 inhalations, and it still works.

I find running the worst inducer of bronchial spasm ,and other times when simply the air quality is poor.

We dry and wet mop (soap and bleach) our mats before, and after every practice. I have never had a problem at aikido.

Ever since I got my cats I will occasionally have some respiratory problems while training. I was told by my doctor that if I just train through those problems I may scar my lungs, which is very bad. If you have mild asthma, using an albuterol inhaler before training should prevent symptoms for up to 8 hours, which should totally clear up the problem. In addition I was told that albuterol is a very safe drug which many people use every day for their entire lives.

Reading this thread I am reminded of the experience of my first teacher, Dennis Hooker Sensei in dealing with myasthenia gravis. He was instructed by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan in the practice of misogi hara and breathing techniques, ten no kokyu, chi no kokyu and others. The influence of breath and ki on systemic "autoimmune" diseases, such as Myasthenia Gravis and asthma, are fascinating subjects in their own right.

Hooker Sensei credits this practice with keeping him alive far longer than many with his condition, which can seriously and adversely affect his ability to keep breathing, among other things.

It seemed appropriate to make referece to this in the case of asthma sufferers, if they have not already read it.

He posted a letter from sent to him by Saotome Sensei dealing with the whys of the practice, which is on the AIkiweb:

http://www.aikiweb.com/spiritual/saotome1.html

The hows of the techniques I leave for your own exploration.

Cordially,
Erick Mead

I have allergic Asthma. The suggestions I got from my doctor were quite simple - take the inhaler with you. If you are in a period with more attacks, take a single inhaler dose before the practice starts.

A second suggestion I found to be very helpful is - keep in shape (though I must admit I am failing with it myself lately).

Amir

Hi Justin,
a top student of mine had severe asthma prior to doing aikido. He went to a chinese medic who taught him some exercises to do. Basically it was to bend at the waist without rotating the hips i.e. you type of 'fold' the stomach over. Seemed to work wonders and he never had problems after that. I highly recommend chinese medicine of asthma. Much of western medicine is likely to be drug prescriptions which are easier to do, but won't improve your condition. Also be aware in Chinese medicine that there is a big difference between fitness and health. Just because you currently have asthma doesn't mean that you can't become very healthy - diet is also implicated in asthma though I'm no specialist.

As a side note, if you go to China and see a doctor for asthma, he will prescribe you an inhaler.