How is Ayurvedic treatment for asthma done?

 How is Ayurvedic treatment for asthma done?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. It is characterized by various symptoms including wheezing, excessive coughing, and difficulty breathing.

According to current statistics, more than one million people in Nepal are affected by various types of respiratory problems, most of which are children and the elderly.

According to a study conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, about 7.5 percent of school-age children experience occasional wheezing, 5.2 percent have persistent difficulty breathing, 16 percent have nighttime coughing, and 9.4 percent experience asthma symptoms during exercise. Similarly, other chronic diseases are becoming more complicated due to asthma in the elderly.

In such a situation, in recent times, there has been an increasing interest in Ayurvedic treatment for the treatment of asthma in Nepal. Asthma patients are getting relief from Ayurvedic medicines, Panchakarma, yoga, and herbal treatments in various government and private Ayurvedic hospitals.

Ayurveda is also an important medical method among the various treatment methods prevalent in Nepal. It is an ancient and holistic system of medicine that helps maintain balance in the body, mind and spirit.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 asthma patients in Nepal are currently undergoing Ayurvedic treatment or alternative medicine.

Causes of Asthma and the Ayurvedic Approach

According to Ayurveda, each person’s body is based on the balance of three major doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When these doshas are imbalanced, disease occurs in the body. In asthma, especially Kapha dosha can increase excessively, causing congestion, swelling and accumulation of phlegm in the airways, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. In addition, Vata dosha causes narrowing of the airways, reducing the depth of breathing and creating an imbalance in the respiratory rate.

Various treatment methods are adopted to control the symptoms of asthma and for its long-term treatment, mainly aimed at purifying the airways, balancing Vata and Kapha doshas and maintaining the general condition of the body.

Principles of Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, the main focus of asthma treatment is to balance the body's doshas (vaat, pitta, kapha), purify the respiratory tract. And, strengthen the body's immune system. Various treatment methods are used for this.

In Ayurveda, Shrotoshonda means purifying the main channels and pathways of the body. In asthma, the airways may become swollen or blocked. To remove this, methods such as Panchakarma such as Vamana, Virechana etc. are used. To keep the respiratory tract open and balance the air doshas, ​​Vatanuloman medicines are used in Ayurveda. This helps in improving the speed of breathing and removing any obstruction in the ducts.

In Ayurveda, specific herbs and medicines are used to control phlegm, which reduces the concentration in the respiratory tract and makes breathing easier.

Panchakarma methods are considered to be very effective in its treatment. These methods help in purifying the body and balancing the doshas. The details of the treatment methods included in Panchakarma are as follows.

Vamana: Treatment to remove excessive accumulation of phlegm.

Virechana: The process of excreting toxins, bile and phlegm from the body.

Snehan: Massage with medicinal oils makes the respiratory tract open and flexible.

Swedana: Steam treatment removes toxins and phlegm from the body.

Also, various Ayurvedic medicines can be taken under the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Various medicines are used in the treatment of asthma in Ayurveda. The aim of these medicines is to strengthen the respiratory system and balance the phlegm and vata doshas.

The use of some major Ayurvedic medicines like Dashamool, Vyasaadi Kadha, etc. powders helps in removing dirt and blockages in the respiratory tract. In addition, Talisadi Churna, Yashtimadhu Churna, Setopaladhi, Pushkaramool Churna, Kantakari Ghrit, Vasa Ghrit, Kanakasava, Mrigamdasava, Shashakuthar Ras, Laxmibilas Ras, etc. can also be used after assessing the patient's condition.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

In addition to medicinal treatments, Ayurveda also provides various home remedies that help reduce the symptoms of asthma and improve the health of the patient. Consuming a mixture of basil leaves and honey cleanses the respiratory tract and helps control phlegm.

Basil has natural medicinal properties that provide relief in breathing. Regular consumption of a mixture of ginger and honey reduces cough and breathing problems. Ginger has antibacterial properties, which keep the respiratory tract clean and hygienic. Steam inhalation softens phlegm and helps in removing it from the respiratory tract. This helps improve breathing and can reduce asthma symptoms.