Cough — Biological and Psychological Dimensions
Denisa Rensen
Coughing is a vital reflex that serves as a protective mechanism for the respiratory system. However, it's not just a simple reaction to irritation; it can also be an adaptation to various biological and psychological stimuli. This INSIGHT focuses on chronic cough, which lasts longer than 3 weeks, exploring why a cough becomes chronic and how to address it from multiple unique angles, including integrative, functional, and naturopathic perspectives, as well as insights from German New Medicine (GNM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, homeopathy, bioregulatory peptides, IV therapy, and more.
Why Does a Cough Become Chronic?
Chronic cough can arise from various underlying causes, such as unresolved infections, persistent inflammation, environmental irritants, and psychological stressors. Unlike acute cough, which typically resolves within a few weeks, chronic cough persists and can significantly impact the quality of life. Understanding the root causes and addressing them holistically is essential for effective treatment.
Biological Adaptation and Support
From a biological standpoint, coughing can be triggered by various irritants, such as viruses, bacteria, dust, or allergens. The body's immediate response is to expel these irritants to protect the respiratory system. To support the immune system and help resolve postnasal drip and mucus production, integrative and naturopathic approaches focus on:
Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports immune function.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and echinacea can reduce inflammation and support respiratory health.
Supplements: Nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics can boost the immune system.
Psychological Conflict: GNM, TCM, and Ayurveda Perspectives
Beyond biological factors, coughing can be a manifestation of psychological conflicts. Different holistic health systems offer unique insights into this connection:
German New Medicine (GNM) GNM suggests that diseases, including cough, are biological responses to unresolved emotional conflicts. A persistent cough might indicate a conflict related to fear or distress. Understanding and resolving these conflicts can alleviate the symptoms. GNM treatment involves:
Conflict Identification: Reflecting on recent life events or ongoing situations that might have triggered the emotional conflict.
Emotional Processing: Techniques like journaling, therapy, or guided introspection to resolve the conflict.
Supportive Care: Using natural remedies to support the body during the healing phase.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) In TCM, cough is often seen as a result of imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy). Practitioners use herbs, acupuncture, and dietary changes to restore balance. Treatments include:
Herbal Formulas: Such as Yin Qiao San (for early-stage colds) or Zhi Sou San (for persistent cough).
Acupuncture: Points like LU7 (Lieque) and BL13 (Feishu) to strengthen the lungs and clear phlegm.
Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding cold foods and drinks, and incorporating warming and moistening foods like ginger and pears.
Ayurveda Ayurveda views cough as an imbalance in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Treatments include:
Herbal Remedies: Such as Tulsi (holy basil), Licorice root, and Ginger to soothe the respiratory tract.
Dietary Modifications: Avoiding Kapha-aggravating foods like dairy and cold beverages, and including warming spices.
Lifestyle Changes: Practicing Pranayama (breathing exercises) and ensuring adequate rest.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy offers individualized treatment based on the principle of "like cures like." Remedies for cough might include:
Spongia Tosta: For dry, barking coughs.
Drosera: For violent coughing spells, especially at night.
Pulsatilla: For coughs with thick, yellow mucus… and many more remedies do the trick, the prescription depends on the whole symptom picture
Bioregulatory Peptides
Bioregulatory peptides, such as thymic peptides, can help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are used to support respiratory health by:
Enhancing Immune Response: Supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Reducing Inflammation: Alleviating inflammation in the respiratory tract.
IV Therapy
Intravenous (IV) therapy delivers nutrients and medications directly into the bloodstream for rapid effect. For respiratory health and cough, common IV therapies include:
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Supports cellular repair and energy production.
Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Boosts immune function and reduces inflammation.
Peptides: Enhance immune response and modulate inflammation.
Immune IVs: Custom blends of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall immune health.
Nebulizer Strategy
A nebulizer is an effective tool for managing respiratory conditions. It delivers therapeutic remedies directly to the lungs in the form of a fine mist, which can help alleviate symptoms and break up mucus. An integrative nebulizer strategy might include: Sea salt, Botanicals, Minerals, Immune agents, Homeopathics
Natural Alternatives: Ocean Swimming
Engaging in activities like body/boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling, freediving, and ocean swimming can serve as natural alternatives to support respiratory health. The ocean air, is a natural nebulizer, rich in salt and minerals and bioregulating ions, helps clear the respiratory tract and improve lung function. These activities also promote physical fitness and mental well-being, contributing to overall health.
The Benefits of Sunlight: Photoneuroendocrinology
Exposure to sunlight, particularly morning rays, has profound effects on immune function and psychology. This field of study, known as photoneuroendocrinology, examines how light influences our biology. Key benefits include:
Nitric Acid Production: Sunlight stimulates the production of nitric acid, which improves blood flow and helps the immune cells get to target tissues.
Neurotransmitter Activation: Sunlight influences the production of serotonin and dopamine, enhancing mood and reducing stress.
Mitochondrial Light Sensors: Sunlight activates mitochondrial sensors, boosting cellular energy production.
Vitamin D Synthesis: Sun exposure is crucial for vitamin D synthesis, essential for immune function.
My Approach to Assessing and Treating Cough
As an integrative health practitioner, my approach to assessing and treating cough involves a comprehensive and individualized strategy:
Clinical Intake: Conducting a thorough clinical intake to understand the patient's history, symptoms, and overall health.
Laboratory Testing: Using labs to identify any underlying infections, nutritional deficiencies, or other health concerns.
Biomagnetic Resonance Testing with RIFE PLASMA: Utilizing biophysics scanning and testing to detect imbalances and treat the issue with bioelectric frequencies. Emphasizing the importance of biophysics in modern medicine, recognizing that we are biomagnetic beings, not just chemical entities.
Biophysics Solutions: Emphasizing the importance of biophysics in modern medicine, recognizing that we are biomagnetic beings, not just chemical entities.
Metabolic Solutions: A whole-person approach in assessing the biology and reasons for this physiological adaptation.
Psychological Solutions: Identifying and addressing any emotional conflicts or stressors that may be contributing to the cough.
Based on the assessment, I develop the most biocompatible and effective solutions, ensuring intelligent care and continuous follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.
Conclusion
Coughing is a complex reflex that can be an adaptation to both biological and psychological stimuli. By understanding the underlying causes through integrative, functional, and naturopathic perspectives, we can develop a holistic approach to treatment. Addressing both the physical irritants and emotional conflicts that trigger coughing allows for more effective and comprehensive care. Incorporating treatments from GNM, TCM, Ayurveda, homeopathy, bioregulatory peptides, and IV therapy offers a multifaceted approach to respiratory health.
Coughing is natural and most of the time nothing to worry about; it’s just a nuisance. However, in certain cases, it needs to be assessed by specialists to rule out serious issues. While it's generally nothing to worry about, it's important to check with your family doctor to ensure that allopathic medicine bloodwork or imaging is not needed. This depends on the whole context, including your age, health status, and other factors.
This is INSIGHT, not Medical Advice -meant for educational purpose only. Use your discretion. Consult your physician. We hope this was helpful. If you would like more support, you are welcome to book a consult with me — Dr. Denisa Rensen — on this website.