Asthma, or Tamaka Swasa, is a respiratory disorder that makes breathing difficult. The airways of asthma patients become hypersensitive because of constant irritation. The bronchial tree inside the lungs gets disturbed due to an increased number of irritants, and it begins to swell, causing the airways to become narrow. The amount of mucus also increases in the air passage, which can also cause a sound whenever a person breathes.
It is becoming a widespread problem in modern times due to increasing pollution in the environment, which weakens individuals’ immunity (disease-fighting capacity). The increased number of pollutants can be majorly accounted for by urbanization and industrialization, which have immensely increased the presence of pollutants in the air that we breathe.
It causes breathing disorders like Tamaka Swasa (Asthma). According to Ayurvedic texts, Asthma is caused by an imbalance of the Vata and Kapha doshas (out of three significant doshas) in the body.
What symptoms of asthma can help identify this disease?
It can cause various symptoms in the vikritashareera (patient’s body)
- There can be ghurguraka, a murmuring or whistling sound whenever the patient breathes.
- The throat of the patient often gets choked, which restricts him or her from breathing freely.
- Patients experience consistent tremors (trembling body) and cough due to increased spasms.
- Increased dryness in the body and frequent thirst.
- It becomes difficult for the rogi (patient) to sleep because the lungs become choked whenever they lie down.
- The patient is extremely restless and irritated because the phlegm does not come out.
- Asthma attacks are more common in weather conditions like humidity or chilly winters.
These health indicators of asthma clearly indicate the need to find a treatment plan. So, there are various modes of treating this disease. However, the best action plan is nature-based treatment i.e. Ayurvedic treatment for Asthma. It involves herbal medicines, remedies, and some changes in ahara (diet) and lifestyle (vihara). These medicines have no side effects and they heal the body and make it stronger to fight off the diseases. There are various natural ways to treat asthma.
Here are a few Natural home remedies for wheezing and shortness of breath that have been borrowed from Ayurvedic texts.
BREATHING PRACTICES
Various breathing exercises are a pathway to building respiratory strength. Regular exercise of the muscles around the lung area helps build lung capacity. Asthma patients must practice these exercises. One of these exercises is:
- Sit in a cross-leg posture with a comfortable straight spine
- Slowly, take a deep inhalation.
- Exhale through pursed lips like you are blowing out a candle. The exhalation should be longer than the inhalation.
- Do this practice 5-10 times daily in the morning.
YOGA AND MEDITATION
Gentle stretches of yoga have an immense impact on the body. They strengthen the body from the inside and make the body stronger to fight off the disease. Yoga and meditation are important in the Ayurvedic texts because they can balance the doshas and clear the blockages and toxins in the body. A few advisory yoga asanas for asthma patients:
- Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)
- Baddhakonasana (Butterfly pose)
- Uttanasana (forward bend pose)
- Chakravakasana (cat-cow pose)
- Upavishtha asana (Seated wide-angle pose)
Meditation helps reduce stress, which can be used for therapeutic purposes
Especially pranayam is a well-known meditation technique to reduce the symptoms and enhance the functioning capacity of lungs. All these yoga and meditation techniques must be employed in our daily lives to strengthen our respiratory health.
STEAM
It is an excellent therapy for asthma patients to take steam. The excessive mucus which blocks the nasal canal can be released with steam. Moreover, steam will moisturize the air passage of the body and give a soothing effect. It is relaxing for the whole body. An easy way to take steam is
● Boil a pan of water and add herbal oils like clove oil, cow’s desi ghee, or eucalyptus oil.
● Keep it on a table lower than your seating place
● Keep your face close to the pan and cover your head with a towel so that no steam passes away.
● Take deep breaths for about 20 minutes and then dry yourself.
● Cover yourself with warm clothes and take a rest.
HERBS
There are a variety of Ayurvedic herbs that can be added to the diet of asthma patients. These herbs can soothe the body and reduce the swelling and irritation in the nasal passage. Some of these herbs are:
- Turmeric
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- Asthma weed
- Ginger
- Green tea leaves
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
These herbs can be consumed in powder or tablets or boiled in water to make herbal tea. They can also be added to the food.
HONEY
Honey is known to increase saliva production in the body, coating the airways and reducing irritation. Moreover, honey can help reduce swelling, relaxing the airways and allowing air to flow easily. Adding honey to your herbal tea is best for a good taste and additional health benefits. It is one of the best natural remedies for asthma.
All these remedies can be easily accessed in the comfort of your home. They have been used for a long time to treat asthma.
However, every body type is different, and the best treatment plan can only be found with the help of an Ayurvedic expert. For instance, you can contact qualified professionals such as Dr. Sharda Ayurveda. They provide their patients with personalized treatment plans and diet charts to help them heal quickly. Ayurvedic treatment for asthma is highly beneficial.
FAQs for the Asthma:
Q1. What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
Q2. What are common asthma symptoms?
Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or early morning.
Q3. Can asthma be cured?
While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed effectively with proper treatment and avoiding triggers.
Q4. What triggers asthma?
Common triggers include allergens (like pollen, mold, and pet dander), irritants (like smoke and pollution), cold air, exercise, and stress.
Q5. How is asthma diagnosed?
Doctors typically use lung function tests, medical history, and a physical exam to diagnose asthma.
Q6. What treatments are available for asthma?
Treatment often involves inhalers to reduce symptoms, prevent attacks, and avoid known triggers.
Q7. Can lifestyle changes help with asthma?
Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking can help manage asthma symptoms.
Q8. Is asthma more common in children or adults?
Asthma can affect individuals at any age, but it often starts in childhood.
Q9. Can asthma symptoms change over time?
Symptoms can vary in severity over time, and management strategies may need adjustment.
Q10. Where can I find support for living with asthma?
Many organizations offer resources and support groups for individuals with asthma and their families.