Curing Asthma with Ayurveda

Curing Asthma with Ayurveda

Asthma is an acute inflammatory condition of the upper respiratory passage. The upper part of the respiratory system comprises of the pharynx and trachea which is lined by a layer of mucous membrane on the inner aspect and circular muscular rings on the outer aspect. In the presence of a trigger, the muscular ring undergoes spasmodic contractions with oedematous swelling of the mucous membrane, which narrows the air passage. This leads to acute shortage of air. These are the typical occurance during an asthmatic attack.

The common causes of asthma attack are:

• Animal hair and fur.
• Pollens
• Dust
• Insects
• Common cold
• Weather changes
• Sudden exertion
• Food allergens
• Strong odours
• Emotional stress
• Tobacco smoke.

Asthma usually occurs in episodes and the person may have symptom free times in between attacks. Some people have chronic shortness of  breath alternating with increased shortness of breath for a while. Their breathing has that typical wheeze sound which can be heard by a person sitting nearby.  An attack is more likely when there is a sudden change in the climate, cold and cloudy days, at nights, after heavy meals, exposure to cold wind and dust. Asthma attacks can last for minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow is severely restricted.

Symptoms during attack:

• Grasping for breath
• Headache
• Cough with or without phlegm
• Appearance of blackness in front of eyes.
• Pulling and straining of the rib cage and the neck and back muscles.
• Gets progressively better with bronchodilators.

Management:

Management of this condition has two different requirements,

• Prevention of the attacks
• Management during the attacks.

Prevention of the attacks primarily involves identification and avoidance of the triggering factors as far as possible. Continuous intake of medication for prevention of the attack has other associated side effect. During an attack, steroidal bronchodilators only help but when used often, even they tend to loose effect due to continuous sensitization of the mucous membrane by these drugs. Under these conditions, there is need for change in the drug or a higher dose which may again have the same issue.

In Ayurveda, asthma may be correlated to Tamaka Swasa described in the ayurvedic texts. Vata which is one of the 3 bio regulating principles of the body undergoes increase when there is an obstruction in its path. In this case, the obstruction is caused by kapha. When kapha mixed with aama(undigested toxins) get lodged in the chest region,  it causes obstruction to the movement of vata, which moves in irregular directions and gets greatly increased, manifesting as an asthma attack. The features during an attack has been described as

• Running nose
• wheezing sound
• Shortness of breath
• Severe debilitating cough
• Feels a bit relaxed once a bout of phlegm come out
• Pain on the sides of the chest.
• Symptoms slightly palliated by hot fomentation.
• Dryness of mouth.

The treatment in this condition is basically clearing the aama and the Kapha and ensuring the movement of Vata in its normal path. The normal movement of vata is in the downward direction. To ensure this, Virechana (purgation) , which is one among the Panchakarma therapies, should be administered. This is an important line of treatment for Asthma. The role of Ayurvedic treatment is mostly in the time in between episodes. The frequency of episodes and severity of attacks can be greatly reduced with help of Ayurvedic management with out any side effects. When the treatments are complimented with internal medicines taken under a qualified doctor's instructions and proper diet management and understanding of the condition, one can free himself of the disease even for years.

One can have remarkable difference in the condition when one practices Yoga and Pranayama regularly. Though it takes time for the effect to completely manifest, the result is long term and very obvious.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• One must ensure that he takes light food, easy for digestion and to avoid flatulence and constipation.
• One should recognize and avoid the triggering factors.
• The food taken at night should be light since a full stomach may trigger the attack.
• One should avoid cold beverages  and foods and also foods which are refrigerated.
• Excessive straining so as to cause sudden attack of breathlessness should be avoided.
• One can have warm ginger tea and should use hot spices like pepper, cumin etc for cooking and for daily consumption.
• Hot soups and drinks greatly help in this condition.
• One should take bath always in warm water and avoid direct exposure to cold wind.
• Exposure to dust especially like dusting carpets and curtains should be avoided.
• The linen of the bed should be washed frequently.
• Use of tobaco and smoking must be strictly avoided.
• Regular use of tulasi juice with 1 tsp of honey in empty stomach is very much helpful in preventing the attacks.
• Just chewing tulasi leaves in the morning is beneficial.
• Obesity is one main cause of severe asthmatic attacks. Hence one should take measures to reduce weight in case one is overweight.