Ayurveda for Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma - Tamaka Swasa

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath may be simply termed as Swasa (Asthma). It may be primary - originating from respiratory system, secondary - originating from other systems of the body but the impact is on respiratory system.

Bronchial Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of airway. It leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, tightness of chest and cough particularly at night or early morning. As per Ayurveda, Swasa is mainly caused by the Vata and Kapha doshas. Swasa is broadly classified into five types in Mahaswasa (Dyspnoea major), Urdhawaswasa ( Expiratory Dyspnoea), Chinna swasa (Chyne- stroke respiration), Kshudra swasa ( Dyspnoea minor), Tamaka swasa (Bronchial Asthma).

Causes

As per Ayurveda the causes of Tamaka Swasa are as follows:

• Intake of dry, cold, heavy, incompatible food and irregular intake of food
• Excessive Intake of black gram, beans, sesame, meat of aquatic animals.
• Intake of cold water and exposure to cold climate
• Exposure to dust, smoke and wind
• Excessive exercise, over indulge in the sexual activity
• Trauma to throat, chest and vital organs.
• Suppression of natural urges.

Treatment modalities in Ayurveda

As per the Ayurveda Bronchial Asthma is Vatakaphaja disease, it begins in the stomach, progresses to the lungs and bronchi. Hence the aim of treatment is to move the excess Kapha back to stomach and then eliminate it. For this purpose following methods are adopted.

• Swedana (Sudation)
• Vamana (Therapeutic emesis)
• Virechana (Therapeutic purgation)

These procedures will be followed as per the need of individual patient. Practice of Pranayama, laxatives, light diet in the night and use of warm water will helps in the treatment of Asthma.

Specific Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s (Pathya)

• Godhuma (wheat), Old rice, Mudga (green gram), Kulattha (Horse gram), Yava (barley), Patola (snake gourd)
• Use of Garlic, Turmeric, Ginger, Black pepper
• Luke warm water, Goat milk, Honey
• Respiratory exercise, Pranayama, Yoga

Don’ts (Apathya)

• Heavy, cold diet, Masha (black gram), Deep fried items, Mustard leaves, Fish
• Exposure to Cold & Humid atmosphere
• Sweets, Chilled water, Stored food items, Curd
• Suppression of natural urges
• Excessive physical exertion
• Exposure to Smoke, Dust and fumes, Pollutants and Pollens

Source : Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences