Improve your life easily with
Ayurveda
To visit only with the appointment
Asthma is a chronic allergic disease which is distressing. The multifactorial causative factors cause recurrent attacks of difficult breathing and wheezing, the frequency and severity of which vary from person to person due to various reasons.
Shwasa Roga explained in Ayurveda is quite similar to Asthma because of the similarity in aetiology, symptoms and pathogenesis. According to Ayurveda, Shwasa (Asthma) is caused due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha.
In the initial stages, the disease is Sadhya (Treatable). However, as the disease gets chronic it becomes Yapya (treatable with difficulty). The available treatment methods are only symptomatic and has adverse reactions too. However Ayurveda herbs and treatments are quite effective to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
‘Shwasa’ is the term which describes shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. According to Ayurveda, Shwasa (Asthma), Kasa (Cough) and Hikka (Hiccough) are associated with each other because their Nidana (Causative Factors) and site of origin are identical (based on ayurveda principles). In some Ayurveda Samhitas (Ancient Ayurveda textbooks), Shwasa is explained along with Hikka whereas in certain other Samhitas it is explained as an independent chapter.
Ayurveda explains two types of occurrence of Shwasa – Swatantra (Primary or Independent disease) and Paratantra (Secondary or effect of other disease). Here we will discuss about the Swatantra or Primary Asthma.
There causative factors are listed below.
External factors of Shwasa (Asthma)
Physical strain
Diet factors
Injury or Complications
The premonitory symptoms of Shwasa (Asthma) are:
The cardinal feature of Shwasa (Asthma) is Krichra Shwasana which means ‘Difficult Breathing’
Vata Dosha is aggravated because of the above mentioned causative factors. This vitiated Vata enters the airway or respiratory channels (Pranavaha Srotas) thus leading to derangement of Kapha Dosha in the Uras Sthana (Thoracic region). The vitiated Kapha Dosha obstructs the Prana Vata (A subtype of Vata, the function of which is respiration) which moves in the respiratory channels, leading to abnormal movement of Prana Vata, resulting in Shwasa (Asthma).
The Ayurevedic pathogenesis of Shwasa (Asthma)
कफवातात्मावेतौ पित्तस्थानसमुद्बवौ। हृदयस्य रसादीनां धातून चोपशोषणौ।। 8 II
इस्मात्साधारणावेतौ मतौ परमदुर्जयौ। मिथ्यापचरितौ क्रुद्धौ हता आशीविषाविव।। 9 II
(Reference Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 16, Versus 8 and 9)
In the above Shloka Acharya Charaka described the disease pathogenesis of Swasa yoga. He suggests that this disease generally originates from the site of pitta dosha and caused by the simultaneous aggravation of kapha and vata dosha. These vitiated doshas adversely affect the hridaya region (chest area) and slowly affect all the seven chats like plasma, blood etc.
Dushya (Vitiated Doshas): Kapha & Vata
Adhisthana (Seat): Uras (Chest)
Srotodushti (Vitiated Channels): Sanga (Obsruction), Vimarmagamana.
Swabhava (Nature of Disease): Ashukari.
Agni dushti: Jatharagni, Rasa agni- Agnimandya
Types of Patients of Shwasa (Asthma)
Kaphadhika Rogi / Balavan (Strong patients with excess vitiation of Kapha)
In patients who are strong and in whom there is excess vitiation of Kapha, Shodhana Karma (Detoxification Therapies, Panchakarma) can be administered. Since their strength is good, their tolerance to Shodhana Karma (Detoxification Therapies) will be good. Also since there is excess Kapha Dosha in their body, detoxification is recommended to restore normalcy of Kapha Dosha. For such patients, Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis), Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation), Dhumapana (Inhalation of Medicated Herbs Smoke) is recommended.
Vatadhika Rogi / Durbala (Weak patients with excess vitiation of Vata)
In patients who are weak and in whom there is excess vitiation of Vata Dosha, Shodhana Karma (Detoxification Therapies) should not be administered because of the dryness and roughness in their body which is prevalent because of increase of Vata Dosha. As they have weak body strength, their tolerance to Shodhana Karma (Detoxification Therapies) is very less and sometimes Detoxification Therapies can produce complications in them.
Tarpana (Nourishing treatment, food and medicines), Brmhana (Bulk Promoting food and medicine) and Shamana (Palliative care) are recommended for these people because this will nourish their body. Sneha (Oils or Ghee), Yusha (Soups), Mamsa Rasa (Meat Soup), Meat of animals and birds living in Jangala Desha (Desert regions), Kulattha (Horse gram) are some of the Nourishing and Bulk promoting substances which are highly beneficial for these patients. Also this line of treatment is advised for children and the elderly suffering with Asthma.
Classiificaiton of Shwasa (Astham) according to Ayurveda
Shwasa (Asthma) is classified into 5 types
When the airway is blocked and Vata Dosha is forced in upward direction, the person becomes distressed and takes deep breathing through the mouth constantly producing high pitched wheezing sound like an angry bull.
Due to the accumulation of mucus in the airway, there is obstruction in the upper end of the respiratory channels causing hinderance in the flow of air, thereby making the air unable to reach the lower respiratory tract causing rapid and shallow breathing. Thus inspiration becomes painful and strenuous and expiration becomes prolonged.
Breathing is interrupted and irregular with few faster, few slower breaths and intermittent breathless phase.
This type of Shwasa (Asthma) is not very troublesome as it is a mild form of dyspnoea on effort. Due to the causative factors, Vata Dosha increases slightly in the abdomen leading to difficulty in breathing upon exertion or due to overeating. However this type of Shwasa (Dyspnoea) is not serious and does not harm the body nor produce any complications. It generally subsides on using hot comforts and taking rest. Daily activities are unaffected in this type of Shwasa (Asthma). It is easily curable and generally medicines are not required, however if needed mild form of Ayurveda medicines can be administered in minimal dosage.
The inspiration is affected because of obstruction in the airway and hence Vata Dosha moves in reverse direction (upward direction) leading to excess secretion of mucus producing obstruction in breathing causing wheezing sounds. There can be severe acute attacks which can cause difficulty like dizziness and coughing. There is difficulty to spit out sputum and when sputum is spit out by coughing, the person experiences ease in breathing but only for a short period of time.
Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) can be relieved and cured in a healthy person in early stages only. In chronic cases it is controllable with Ayurveda medicines and treatment.
Panchakarma therapies beneficial in a person suffering from Shwasa (Asthma) are
When the symptoms are less or the condition is not very much aggravated, then suitable Ayurveda herbs and simple therapies along with some home remedies will help. However in chronic or severe conditions, Panchakarma is recommended following Snehana (Oleation or Lubrication) and Swedana (Fomentation).
Snehana (Oleation or Lubrication) is massaging the chest and upper back region gently with warm medicated oils added with salt. Following this, Swedana (Fomentation) is done using Nadi Swedana technique. However for children and those suffering from CAD, in place of Nadi Swedana, apply hot towel gently on the chest and back. For hot towel, either you may heat the towel on dry hot pan or dip a towel in hot water and squeeze excess water and use.
Snehana (Oleation or Lubrication) & Swedana (Fomentation) procedures helps to break and liquefy the toxins or consolidated phlegm sticking to the walls of the Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory channels) so that it can be removed or eliminated through suitable Panchakarma (Detoxification). Thus vitiated Kapha Dosha which is mixed with the consolidated phlegm will get back to normalcy because of the elimination of the phlegm and the Vata Dosha which was obstructed in its normal pathway by the vitiated Kapha & consolidated phlegm will start moving in normal direction thereby bringing relief in Shwasa (Asthma).
Snehana (Oleation or Lubrication) provokes or softens the vitiated Doshas in the Srotas (Respiratory channels) and excites them. Swedana (Fomentation), because of heating & penetrating property liquifies the Doshas which are excited by the Snehana (Oleation or Lubrication) making them to move to the alimentary tract. Now it becomes easy to eliminate the toxins through Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) or Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation.
Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) is administered following Abhyanga (Massage), Swedana (Fomentation) and Snehapana (Oral administration of medicated fats) for 5 to 7 days. On the day of Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis), Kapha increasing foods like milk, medicated gruel of sugarcane juice are given to the patient for easy facilitation of Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis).
When the patient has vomiting reflex, Vamana Aushadhi (Medicine for Emesis), that is paste of Madanaphala (Emetic nut), Pippali (Long pepper), Saindhava (Rock salt) and Madhu (Honey) is given according to the strength of the patient and Agni bala (Strength of digestive fire). Bouts of vomiting will commence. The process ends in about 3 hours. The consolidated phlegm and endotoxins are removed from the body through Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) and the vitiated Kapha Dosha comes back to normalcy. Thus the subtype of Vata, Prana Vata is unobstructed in its movements because the respiratory channels are cleansed through Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis), thereby restoring normal breathing process and providing relief from Shwasa (Asthma).
Dhumapana (Medicated Smoking) is administered after Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) to remove or dry up the residue phlegm left in the respiratory channels. If Dhumapana (Medicated smoking) is not done, the phlegm and excess Kapha Dosha adhering to the respiratory channels gradually increase in due course of time triggering Shwasa (Asthma) again. In order to avoid this, the small quantities of phlegm and Kapha Dosha stagnant in the walls of respiratory channels have to be eliminated through Dhumapana (Medicated smoking).
Fine powders of herbs like turmeric, etc. are made into a paste with the resin of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) and ghee and wicks are prepared from it. These wicks are dried and stored in moist free, air tight container. During Dhumapana (Medicated smoking), one wick is lighted and the fire is put out, and the smoke is facilitated entry through one nostril using a leaf folded in cone shaped form near the nose through which
Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) is the best treatment for diseases arising from the Amashaya (alimentary tract). It removes Ama or endotoxins from the body and restores regular functioning of Agni (Digestive and Metabolic fire) and equilibrium of Doshas. Like Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis), Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) is administered after 5 to 7 days of Snehapana (Oral administration of medicated ghee) and Swedana (Fomentation).
The herbs having hot and penetrating action are beneficial in the treatment of Shwasa (Asthma). Single herbs effective in Shwasa (Asthma) and their pharmacological action are listed in the below table. They have bronchodilator, anti-tussive, expectorant, digestive, carminative and rejuvenating property.
Herb |
Part Used |
Benefits / Pharmacological Actions |
Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) |
Leaves |
|
Pushkaramula (Inula racemose) |
Roots |
|
Pippali (Piper longum) |
Fruits |
|
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) |
Fruits |
|
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) |
Stem |
|
Bharangi (Cleodendron serratum |
Roots |
|
Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) |
Root |
|
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) |
Fruits |
|
Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck) |
Bark |
|
Bala (Sida cordifolia) |
Whole plant |
|
Gojihva (Onosma bracteatum)
|
Leaves & Flowers |
|
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra / Liquorice) |
Roots |
|
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) |
Leaves |
|
Bharangi (Cleodendrum serratum)
|
Leaves |
|
Dashmool (Root of 10 herbs)
|
Roots |
|
Talisapatra (Abies webbiana)
|
Leaves |
|
Hot infusion of the above spices are effective.
Different formulations used for treatment of Shwasa (Asthma) are summarized below.
During acute attack of Shwasa (Asthma), the first and foremost measure should be gentle massage with warm mustard or sesame oil added with rock salt or sea salt on the chest and upper back followed by gentle and comfortable hot compress. Oil because of the unctuousness & heating property alleviates Vata Dosha and it does not aggravate Kapha Dosha as well because of the heating property. Salt has great penetrating capacity hence when mixed with warm oil and applied it produces good result in short period of time itself. Thus the mixture of warm oil and salt helps to liquify the congested phlegm causing obstruction in the respiratory pathway. Once this blockage is removed from the airway the breathing becomes normal.
Charaka Samhita has listed the following ten herbs as Shwasahara Mahakashaya – Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Pushkaramula (Inula racemose), Amlavetas (Garcinia pedunculata), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Hingu (Ferula narthex), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niuri), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Chanda (Costus speciosus)
Acharya Susrutha has explained Surasadi ghana and Dashmoola ghana which are effective in Shwasa (Asthma).
Pathya Ahara (Wholesome Food) |
Pathya Vihara (Wholesome Lifestyle)
|
Cereals
Pulses
Dairy Products
Vegetables
Fruits
Non-vegetarian food
Spices & Condiments
Others
|
Pulses
Dairy Products
Vegetables
Non-Vegetarian food
Spices & Condiments
Others
|
Pathya Vihara (Wholesome Lifestyle) |
Apathya Vihara (Unwholesome Lifestyle)
|
|
|
Ayurveda treatments can help to manage the symptoms effectively.
If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may choose to contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini in Melbourne. Both of our practitioners are Qualfied Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic". People who can't reach us personally, may choose for online Ayurveda consultation.
www.PureHerbalAyurved.com.au
PH- 0061 430 799 515
Email- PureHerbalClinic@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information on any of the Ayurvedic Products, Ayurvedic treatment, Ayurvedic Medicines or other services on Pure Herbal Ayurved clinic website is for educational purposes only. One should not buy these products over the counter or online. Ayurvedic products should only be taken after Ayurvedic consultation with a Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner. Some of the Traditional Ayurvedic Products described in our website may mention heavy metals or some prohibited plants used in Ayurvedic practice in India. The reader should understand that these products are not used by Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic as a Registered Ayurveda Practice in Australia. Reader should not assume that all of the products mentioned on the website are available for prescription in Australia. The uses and indications of these herbal products are based on Traditional Ayurvedic text books as a guide for readers, but not for self medication. Ayurvedic herbal products should be supplemented with appropriate diet and lifestyle to get beneficial effects. Ayurveda treatment is time tested for centuries, yet some of the Ayurvedic herbal products might not hold enough scientific research based evidence. We suggest that you discuss your Ayurvedic treatment plan with your medical practitioner to ensure safe and effective use.
Author Bio:
Gurnam Saini has over 15 years’ experience in Ayurvedic naturopathy treatments in Melbourne, Australia. He has completed his bachelor degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, India. He has done MD in Alternative Medicine and certificate courses in Panchakarma Detox, Pulse diagnosis and skin care. He is also a member of the Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA). He has won awards for ground-breaking work in Ayurveda globally. Read More
Have a Query?
Please send your query and we will reply you shortly.
Toenail Fungal Infection Ayurvedic Remedies Acid Reflux Natural and Management Acne Remedy and Herbal Adrenal Fatigue Natural Remedies Allergy Ayurvedic Natural Medicine Alopecia Hair Loss Herbal and Management Alzeimers and Dementia Alternative and Management Anaemia Pandu Roga Management Anal Fissure & Fistula Ayurvedic Anemia Natural Ayurvedic Remedies Ankylosing Spondylitis Ayurvedic Anorexia Nervosa Ayurvedic Anxiety and Stress Management Arthritis And Ayurvedic Atherosclerosis - Traditional Natural and Management of Heart conditions Atrial Fibrillation Ayurvedic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and And Pregnancy Care for Asthma Natural Alcoholism And Opiate Drugs Dependence View All
Our Services
Ayurveda stads for extensive and elaborate clinical examination to understand thenature of the disease