Let us all answer a question here: “Are you breathing the right way?”
If the answer is no, or if that made you focus on your breathing difficulties, it’s time to go for a quick check!
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Tightness of chest
- Cough especially at night & early morning
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting or vomiting sensations
- Indigestion
- Anemia
- Fever
The sedentary lifestyle we follow, forgetting deep breathing and pranayam amidst heavy pollution across the cities has led to severe breathing difficulties and even asthma by a lot of people.
The major cause of Asthma is the inhalation of allergens or particles that induce allergies in the body. Other causes can be coming in contact with dust, irritant gases, pollens, and/or smoke. Sometimes, spending considerable time in colder areas and damp places can also lead to breathing problems.
Generally, people leave respiratory problems untreated, compromising their productivity due to the burden of ill health. It is always better to go for a holistic treatment of respiratory conditions like breathing problems and asthma such as Ayurveda. Alternative medicine heals the patient by working at the root cause of the disease and eliminating it thereafter.
Ashtama is known as “Tamak-Shvasa” in Ayurvedic science, which is caused due to an increase in cough. The breathing issues and Asthma can be classified into 3 types:
- Dry asthma caused by dysfunction in air element:
- Flu or infection type asthma caused by dysfunction or dosha in the fire element
- Congestion caused by the water element
People generally experience breathlessness and wheezing issues, if left untreated can lead to fainting, excessive coughing, and in extreme cases, the body might become motionless. Many times the patient might suffer from excessive sputum in the throat and is thus unable to speak.
It is advised that patients stay away from excessive cold weather and also avoid humid and allergic environments to prevent conditions from getting worse.
On visiting the Ayurvedic doctor, diagnosis is conducted taking into consideration the emotional, physical, and mental health of the patient and prescribing treatment accordingly.
The doctor would initially work on clearing any blockages in the respiratory tract, known as “Strotosuddhi” in Ayurveda. The process is carried out by applying medicated oils and rock salt over the chest to get rid of any congestion.
The next step taken by an Ayurvedic doctor is “Shroto Shuddhi” to remove any construction in the respiratory tract, by balancing Vata.
Another step taken in Ayurvedic treatment of Asthma and breathing disorders is to build on immunity to reduce the intensity & frequency of any recurring asthma attacks. Many people resort to home remedies to help improve their respiratory conditions.
Ginger Tea:
The patient can sip on ginger tea to help treat inflammation in the body. Many people crush ginger and honey together to help release Kapha from the body.
Turmeric Milk:
Turmeric milk can be taken up in winters to produce necessary heat in the body and the curcumin & anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric will help relieve symptoms of asthma.
Garlic & Onion:
Both work as natural antibiotics in treating asthma and any respiratory disorders. Assimilation of food is promoted to strengthen the lungs. It is said that onions have anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects due to the presence of thiosulphates, thus curing even severe cases of asthma.
Steam Inhalation:
It is said that allopathic treatments, especially antibiotics aren’t enough to cure asthma. It is advised that patients must go for steam inhalation to help loosen the secretions in the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus oil if added would prove antibacterial to help cure asthma.
Magnesium-rich foods:
Green leafy vegetables are high in magnesium that help relax the muscles of the respiratory tract. Pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dark chocolate could be other options to consider.
Vitamin D & C:
These help in strengthening the immune system of a person, as any lack of Vitamin D makes the microbes attack the immune system easily. Vitamin C helps reduce any inflammatory response in airways & bronchial passages. Mangoes, papaya, tomatoes, green veggies, amla & oranges can be great options.
However, the Ayurvedic treatment must be considered to reduce hypersensitivity to allergens by improving lung capacity, and quality of pitta to improve respiratory conditions. In general, the patient must sip on lukewarm water and practice yoga & pranayama to treat breathing problems and asthma.
