Asthma is triggered by many external factors including allergens like dust, smoke, fumes or chemical allergens like pollen and grass.
Symptoms of Asthma
- Shortness of breath: this causes difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity or at night.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing which is often more noticeable while exhaling.
- Chest Tightness: A feeling of pressure in the chest.
- Coughing: Frequent coughing usually occurring at night or early in the morning.
- Trouble sleeping: Difficulty in sleeping due to coughing, sleeping, or shortness of breath.
Asthma in Ayurveda
According to ayurvedic principles, Asthma is known as Tamak Swasa in which the primary dosha associated with asthma is the vata (the air element) and the kapha (the mucus element) both go out of balance. This accumulation leads to narrowing and obstruction of the arteries.
As a result there occurs an obstruction in the airflow of lungs, causing shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.
The Cause
- Vata Dominant Dosha: It causes dry cough, restlessness, and interrupted sleep, this type of asthma is caused due to physical or emotional stress and it could be triggered by cold and dry food.
- Kapha Dominant Dosha: it causes heavy chest, excess mucus. Consuming excessive cold and heavy foods or overeating can trigger this type. Mucus is usually cloudy and white in consistency.
- Pitta Dominant Dosha: it causes burning sensation, inflammation and irritation in the chest. Pitta vitiation can be the cause of vata and kapha type asthma. It is usually caused by exposure to allergens or microbes. The cough produced has green or yellow mucus.
Ayurvedic Approach for Treatment
The ayurvedic approach for the treatment of asthma is likely to include the combination of the following:
- Panchkarma
- Lifestyle changes
- Herbs & Diet
Panchkarma
Panchkarma is a detoxification therapy in ayurveda which helps in removing toxins and balancing the doshas.
The most effective panchkarma treatment for asthma include:
- Vamana (therapeutic vomiting): it is beneficial for kapha dosha dominance, this helps in clearing mucus from the lungs and stomach.
- Virechana (purgation therapy): it is ideal for pitta dominant asthma, it helps in removing toxins and reducing inflammation.
- Nasya (nasal therapy): the administration of herbal oils through the nostrils helps in cleansing the respiratory system and strengthening the lung function.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Respiratory Health
A disciplined lifestyle can help in enhancing lung function and preventing asthma attacks. Some modifications include:
- Avoiding Triggers: identify and minimize the exposure to allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen, and strong perfumes.
- Practicing Yoga and Pranayam: Breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and bhastrika pranayam (bellows breath) helps in strengthening the lungs and enhancing oxygen intake.
- Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga): applying warm sesame oil on the chest helps alleviate respiratory discomfort.
- Maintaining Proper Sleep Patterns: a consistent sleep schedule supports overall immunity and lung function.
Herbs Beneficial in Asthma
The herbs having hot and penetrating action are beneficial for the treatment of asthma.
- Vasa: it is beneficial in allergy and acts as an expectorant and is anti-asthmatic.
- Turmeric: turmeric is rich in curcumin, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It helps in reducing airway inflammation.
- Tulsi: Tulsi has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in clearing mucus and soothes respiratory passage. It also strengthens the immune system.
- Ginger: Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties helps in relaxing airway muscles and reducing inflammation.
- Mulethi: Mulethi acts as a natural expectorant clearing mucus and soothing the respiratory tract.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic treatment for asthma is a combination of diet, herbs, yoga, lifestyle changes. Living with asthma can be challenging, but ayurveda offers a holistic solution by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
