Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can affect anyone; it does not depend on age or sex. It can manifest with symptoms of: wheezing, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing (shortness of breath), and/or a feeling of pressure in the chest. Symptoms may vary in severity and may be different each time they occur.
The most common treatment of asthma is through the medical establishment via an inhaler or other prescribed medication(s).
Alternative or complementary treatments for asthmatics include Ayurveda, which is an ancient system from India; treats asthma and the problems associated with asthma from a holistic perspective and includes aspects such as dietary changes, lifestyle changes, herbal therapy, and detoxification to facilitate the restoration of balance and alleviate asthma symptoms.
In this post, we are going to discuss how to approach your asthma using Ayurveda.
Ayurveda View of Asthma
In Ayurveda, asthma is known as Tamaka swasa – an example of the type of condition known as a pitta-type disorder that originates from Amashaya (the home of the pitta dosha) and eventually resides in Kaphasthana (the seat of the kapha dosha). Essentially, asthma is caused by a kapha-vata dosha imbalance. As the disease progresses, the involvement of the pitta dosha in Kaphasthana makes the condition krichrasadhya (difficult to treat).
Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments
According to Ayurveda, many herbs can be beneficial for balancing the three doshas as well as helping with respiratory issues that may occur from asthma:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) – May help reduce symptoms of asthma because of its anti-inflammatory nature.
- Pippali (Long Pepper) – This is useful in clearing excess kapha in the lungs and improving digestion.
- Haridra (Turmeric) – This has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective at reducing inflammation associated with asthma.
- Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica) – Acts as a bronchodilator and helps to eliminate mucus or phlegm that may be present in the airways or respiratory passageways.
Ayurvedic Asthma Treatment in Hyderabad
Ayurvedic Detoxification with Panchakarma
The Ayurvedic method for cleansing impurities (detoxification) from the body is called “Panchakarma.” It is an excellent therapy for individuals who have asthma:
- Vamana: Helps to remove kapha (the quality of fluid) from the body by eliminating excess mucus and clearing respiratory passages.
- Nasya: Eliminates kapha (the quality of fluid) from above the shoulders (the head and neck area) through the use of medicated oil or powder.
Dietary Recommendations
Diet is a crucial factor in the control and management of asthma. Here are some suggested ways to eat according to Ayurvedic principles:
- Warm meals that have been cooked are more beneficial for asthmatics because they are easier on the digestive system than cooler items; therefore, they will help balance the kapha dosha.
- Avoiding dairy products and cold food items will help prevent excessive accumulation of mucus, since these types of foods will produce additional kapha dosha being created in the body.
- If using spices like ginger, turmeric, or black pepper, which have anti-inflammatory properties, they can aid in digestion and help reduce inflammation.
Lifestyle Adjustments
A balanced lifestyle is essential in the management of asthma. The recommendations include:
- Exercise Regularly: Yoga and exercise can improve lung capacity and help reduce stress.
- Breathing Exercises: Pranayama techniques such as Anuloma Viloma can improve lung function.
- Avoid Triggers: Avoid allergens that can trigger an asthma episode.
Stress Management
Stress and asthma are both exacerbated by one another. As an alternative medicine, Ayurveda places great emphasis on managing stress levels through the following techniques:
- Meditation-induced calmness will help reduce stress and resulting illness.
- Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage with medicated oils applied to the body will help reduce Vata dosha, thereby reducing stress and assisting in overall wellness.
Environmental Factors in Managing Asthma
From the standpoint of managing asthma, an environment conducive to an asthmatic is crucial for three reasons:
- Living in a clean abode will help reduce the allergy-causing dust, dirt and other allergens present in one’s living quarters.
- Using humidifiers and purifiers to maintain a high-quality air environment will reduce symptoms and/or triggers for asthmatics.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma
Ayurveda treatment of asthma aims at balancing the Ushna guna of vitiated dosha and promoting Vatanulomana by proper treatment methods. Apart from Panchakarma treatment, Brhmana treatment, which strengthens the body, is also part of Ayurveda treatment for asthma.
Targeted Ayurvedic Treatments Support Overall Respiratory Wellness:
- Sitopaladi Churna (An Expectorant That Helps with Coughs and Cough Conclusively)
- Kanakasava is believed to contain both Bronchodilator and Anti-Inflammatory Properties and is an effective support for the clearance of Mucus From the Airway Systems.
- Chyawanprash Provides Antioxidant Support in Addition To Increasing Overall Immune And Lung Function
- Vasaka (Malabar Nut) Is An Extremely Strong Herb To Provide Expectoration And Relief From Asthma Symptoms.
- Trikatu Also Aids In Digestion And Assists In Decreasing The Accumulation Of Kapha, Providing Fundamental Support For Overall Respiratory Health.
Conclusion
For people with asthma who want to cut down on how often they have asthma attacks and rely less on medications from their doctors, Ayurvedic medicine could be an excellent new way to treat this condition and change the way you look at asthma. Seeing asthma as a dosha-balance problem and then using Ayurvedic principles of treatment will help alleviate many of your symptoms and improve your lung capacity. Arooda Ayurvedic has provided reliable and effective protocols to treat asthma and ultimately improve your wellness by focusing on treating the root cause of your asthma. Additionally, you will learn how to help yourself with specific dietary choices and the use of breath control techniques as part of your overall action plan for managing your asthma more effectively and confidently.