Asthma is a respiratory condition that is triggered by inflammation in the airways. The airways become narrower and get filled with mucus. This action can cause a series of short recurring breaths resulting in wheezing, chest pains, and coughing. Shortness of breath also happens when a person gets an asthma attack.
Ayurveda attributes that imbalanced Kapha dosha is the main factor in vitiating the Asthma condition. At the same time, the Pitta dosha imbalance can cause cardiac asthma, while the Vata dosha imbalance causes bronchial asthma.
What causes Asthma?
The reasons for asthma attacks can be attributed to many factors like:
1. Excessive intake of cold foods
2. Aggravation of the Kapha dosha
3. Environmental triggers such as pollen, pollution, allergens, irritants, and so on.
4. Drinking cold water and beverages in excessive amounts.
5. Exposure to cold climate
When consuming large amounts of frozen foods, it leads to the formation of mucus (ama) in the lungs. This mucus build-up causes blockage in the respiratory pathways resulting in breathing difficulties.
Herbs like ginger, long pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, basil, honey help in freeing chest congestion
What are the symptoms of Asthma?
1. Breathlessness
2. Incessant cough
3. Chest pains
4. Wheezing
5. Shortness of breath
6. Fluctuating body temperature
7. Dry mouth
8. Thirst, and so on.
Treatment for Asthma:
The Ayurvedic treatment of Asthma starts with the correction of an individual’s digestive system. When the digestive fire (Agni) is weak, the body loses its ability to process nutrients. This leads to a weakened immune system, susceptible to infections and allergies. The body becomes oversensitive to dust, dirt, pollen and other airborne allergens that initiate or agitate an asthma attack.
The normal course of treatment for asthma begins with the identification of a person’s Prakriti. Along with this, the diet and lifestyle practices of the individual are also given importance. Then the right course of treatment along with individual specific diet and lifestyle changes along with medicine, is prescribed.
Ginger tea mixed with honey reduces inflammation and soothes dry throat.
Diet and lifestyle changes:
When undergoing treatment for asthma, it is vital to follow a certain diet and lifestyle changes to facilitate a better quality of life such as:
1. Complete avoidance of cold foods like carbonated drinks, icecreams, etc.
2. Heavy foods like milk and milk products are to be avoided
3. Avoid oily foods both greasy or deep-fried
4. White flour, White sugar, and so on should not be included in the diet.
5. Substitute honey for sugar and have warm teas as a daily beverage
6. Pulses like mung beans, Arhar, wheat, barley, rice, and old rice can be included in the diet.
7. The regular practice of Yoga and Pranayama is recommended.
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