Ayurveda Treatment and Management For Respiratory Diseases

Did you know that you draw in more than 20,000 breaths in a single day? Breathing is such an automatic function that most times, when it is going on normally, we don't even realise it is happening.

With every breath, there is not just air that enters into the lungs but also other potentially harmful substances such as smoke, dust, pollutants in the air and irritants. Our body has amazing natural air filters in our respiratory tract that keep the air clean and healthy, but sometimes they also get sick and need looking after!

Therefore, paying attention to respiratory health is vital to ensure you live life to the fullest.

Respiratory System Diseases

Respiratory disorders are conditions where some disease affects any part of the airways right from the nose, the trachea or windpipe, and the bronchi to the lungs. Some of the most commonly encountered respiratory disorders include:

• Common cold
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia
• Allergies and infections

Symptoms of Respiratory Diseases

Although specific symptoms vary from one condition to another, there are a few commonly encountered symptoms, such as:

• Cough
• Production of mucus
• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest pain on taking deep breaths

Lungs Treatment Options In Ayurveda

Ayurveda considers respiratory system disorders or Lungs as Svasa Roga and classifies these into five types – karaka, Tanaka, Mahan, chchinna, and urdhava. According to Ayurveda, Svasa Roga results from problems or imbalances in two doshas – Vata and Kapha. This problem may be because of several factors, such as:

• Contact with dusty air, pollen, irritating gases and smoke
• Using cold water or inhabiting a damp, cold place
• Use of dry, astringent, irritant spicy food
• Irregular dietary habits
• Frequent use of bean, sesame, and black gram
• Anxiety and grief and loss of mental peace

Lung Infection Natural Remedies

Ayurveda holistically deals with respiratory diseases through a multi-step process that may involve cleansing toxins through specific therapies, using herbs, breathing exercises, and dietary and lifestyle changes.

Panchakarma Therapies for Respiratory Infection In Ayurveda

Depending on the specific cause of a respiratory disorder, the Ayurvedic doctor may recommend one of the following Panchkarma Detox therapies for cleansing ama/toxins from the body. These therapies should only be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and performed under close supervision.

Vamana (vomiting): Therapeutic vomiting helps to get rid of the excess mucus in the respiratory tract that causes an imbalance in Kapha dosha.

Virechana (purgation): This medicated purgation therapy helps cleanse the gall bladder and liver toxins.

Vasti (Herbal Enema):This medicated enema therapy is performed by introducing a medicated oil, milk, ghee or a herbal decoction preparation into the rectum. This enema allows the elimination of toxins through the faeces.

Nasyam (Instillation of Herbal nasal drops): Nasyam is a therapy in which a herbal juice or a medicated oil is administered through the nose. This helps to remove the excessive doshas that may have accumulated in the throat and the sinuses, relieving respiratory problems.

Ayurveda Remedies for Respiratory Infection

In Ayurveda, some of the following herbal remedies are used traditionally in the treatment of respiratory infection:

Vasaka Herb (Adhatoda vasica): The leaves of Adhatoda vasica contain alkaloids, which may have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb is also considered an antitussive and may help to soothe the inflamed throat.

Turmeric Herb (Curcuma longa): The yellow spice obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa contains the pigment curcumin that has marked anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often administered with hot milk to reduce cough.

Tulsi Herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum): The leaves of the Holy Basil plant, Ocimum sanctum, have antioxidant properties and also inhibit the action of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that plays an important role in inflammation. It also has immunomodulatory properties, making it good for improving the body's defence against infection.

Black pepper (Piper longum): The seeds of the Piper longum creeper contain an alkaloid called piperine with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to break down the mucus and dilate the bronchioles, leading to potential relief from breathing difficulties.

Breathing Exercises or Pranayama for Respiratory Health

Breathing exercises, called pranayama, help improve lung function and reducesymptoms in patients with chronic respiratory problems. Different types of breathing exercises help in other conditions.

For example, Sukha Pranayama or anulom vilom or alternate nostril breathing helps patients with wheezing and hay fever. In this technique, the right nostril is first closed with the right thumb as the person inhales through the left nostril. The right nostril is released, and the left nostril is completed with the right ring finger as the breath is exhaled through the right nostril.

Other breathing exercises may also be prescribed, such as Bhastrika Pranayama, which works well for congestion, and Ujjayi Pranayama, which helps improve immunity so respiratory health is maintained.

Yoga for Respiratory Problems

Some yoga postures may be helpful in people who suffer from chronic respiratory disorders. When these are performed regularly, they help reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Some of the generally prescribed yoga sanas include Surya Namaskara (Sun salutation), Sarvanagasana (Shoulder Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Shalabhasana (Grasshopper Pose).

Respiratory Health Care – Lifestyle Changes

Along with medication, therapy, yoga asana and breathing exercises, Ayurveda also recommends certain lifestyle and dietary changes, such as:

• Dry foods that are difficult to digest, curds, chillies and fish, should be avoided.
• Avoid using cold water, and don't reside in a cold place
• Get enough sleep; avoid staying awake till late at night
• smoking should be avoided
• Keep yourself mentally calm and avoid anxiety-provoking situations.

If you have been suffering from chronic respiratory disease, Ayurveda provides a holistic form of treatment that offers relief from symptoms of respiratory conditions.

Even more important, Ayurveda can help you improve your body's resistance to seasonal respiratory problems; therefore, we encourage you to explore Ayurveda.

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you can contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini, in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic". People who can't reach us personally may choose online Ayurveda consultation. 

Disclaimer: The information on any of the Ayurveda Products, Ayurveda treatment, Ayurvedic Medicines, or any other services mentioned on the Pure Herbal Ayurved clinic website is for educational purposes only and not for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Ayurveda products should only be taken after Full Ayurveda consultation with a Registered Ayurveda Practitioner. On the website, if any of the Ayurveda Products mention heavy metals or some prohibited/restricted plants, the reader should not assume that these products are used, prescribed, or sold by Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic in Australia. Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic does not take liability or responsibility for accidental adulteration or contamination of any unwanted material in the Ayurveda products. Readers should not assume that all of the products mentioned on the website are available for prescription in Australia. The website purely describes the uses and indications of herbal products based on Traditional Ayurvedic textbooks.  These are not for self-medication or online purchase. Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic does not claim or guarantee to cure any disease or health condition or terminal illness. Ayurveda treatment plans should be supplemented with an appropriate diet and lifestyle to get beneficial effects. Ayurveda medicine is generally safe if taken under the strict supervision of a qualified Ayurveda Practitioner, but it may also cause adverse reactions in rare cases. We suggest that you discuss your Ayurvedic treatment plan with your Medical Practitioner to ensure safe and effective use.