Asthmais a medical condition that affects the airways, which are the breathing tubes that carry air to the lungs. The lumen of the airways gets narrower and people struggle to breathe while having asthmatic attacks. Over 2.5 million (about 1 in 9) Australians have asthma, including children and adults. Asthma is more common in families with asthma or allergies, but not everyone with asthma has allergies. Asthma is common in children, but it can also start later. The exact cause of Asthma is not known in western medical sciences. but the allergens are believed to facilitate bronchial constriction by triggering an inflammatory response.
According to Ayurveda, Asthma is termed as “TAMAK SWASA” and is caused by imbalance in Kapha and Vatta Doshas. Kapha which is heavy, sticky, liquid in properties, when imbalanced leads to formation of mucus which accumulates in the airways and vitiates the Vatta causing shortness of Breath. Any food items or activities that increases the Doshas perpetuates Asthma such as exposure to dust, Cold water, dry food intake, starvation, intake of meat, curd and others. The episodes of asthma are believed to be triggered by accumulation of impurities that disrupt the delicate biochemistry of the tissues. Indigestion and Poor GUT health is also believed to be one of the main reasons for Toxins to het accumulated in the bronchial pathway. Karma Health & Ayurveda helps remove deep-seated impurities and restore balanced functioning.
How can toxins trigger asthma? Toxins build up in the body as the result of poor diet and digestion, compromised elimination, sluggish metabolism, stress and environmental factors. The impurities get carried through the body’s channels to the chest and lung area, where they irritate the linings of airways, triggering an inflammatory response that harms the epithelial lining of airways.
Once harmed, the epithelium can no longer create chemicals to inhibit Broncho-constriction. Inflammation and excess fluid secretion are natural mechanisms that help wash away impurities in tissues. But when the body’s defensive mechanisms become overactive, the lungs fill up with fluid and airwaves become constricted. By eliminating deeply imbedded impurities, the physiology can begin to function normally.
Some of the common symptoms of Asthma are:
- Cough
- Felling of tightness in the chest
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing sound while breathing
- Cough with thick sputum
- Difficulty speaking
Ayurvedic Management of Ayurveda: Ayurvedic has describes the Gastrointestinal tract disturbances as the root cause of Asthma which cause the imbalance of Kaph and Vatta (life- energy). It is regarded as an irksome respiratory ailment which easily get aggravated with seasonal variation, emotions, life style and diet. The following modes of treatment has been found very effective in Ayurvedic herbal management of Asthma.
Panchkarma: Detoxification (DETOX) has been described as the primary mode of treatment which help in removal of toxins and suppression of Asthmatic attacks.
Herbal supplements: Herbal preparation improves the immunity and strengthen the respiratory system. The intake of herbal preparation which pacifies the vitiated Doshas and work as natural Bronchodilators helps in elimination of root cause of Asthma
Diet plays an important role in management of Asthma and associated symptoms.
Nasya: Nasya, a therapy in which includes sniffing of herbal oil into the Nostrils and has been found very effective in management and suppression of triggering factor of Asthma. Nostrils are believed to be a pathway to consciousness and our internal pharmacy. The administration of herbal medicine via nostrils opens up the blocked respiratory pathway and supress the internal triggering factors. For more information and appointments, contact Karma health & Ayurveda at: info@karmaayurveda.com.au or call +61 406066762.