Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages.
Asthma is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, fatigue shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.
Common triggers for asthma include: Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander or fur. Outdoor allergens, such as pollens and mold. Emotional stress, such as intense anger, crying, or laughing.
Asthma is called as Swasa roga in Ayurveda because of difficulty in breathing being main symptom. According to Charaka Samhita there are 5 types of swasa rogas : Mahashwas, urdhwashwas, chinashwas, tamakshwas, and kshudrashwas. The first three are not curable, tamakshwas can be controlled and ksudrashwas is curable.
Asthma is also known as “Tamak-Shvasa” in ancient Ayurvedic science. It is again caused due to the imbalance of the three doshas known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Tamak-Shvasa is caused due to an increase in cough ( kasa).
The underlying cause of all asthmatic conditions is increased kapha dosha in the stomach. Ayurvedic treatment for asthma aims to bring the kapha lodged in the lungs and bronchi back to the stomach, from which it can be eliminated. Eggs, Cow’s milk, Peanut, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shrimp, shellfish have the tendency to trigger asthma.
Ayurveda beleives asthma is the result of an imbalance in the vata and kapha doshas. Any food item or activity that increases the doshas perpetuates asthma, such as:
Exposure to dust, smoke, and wind
Residing in a cold place/use of cold water
Cold winds, drinks, and food that aggravate vata or kapha
Intake of ingredients which obstruct the channels of circulation
Metabolic residue
Dryness
Weakness of the respiratory system
Excessive fasting and administration of elimination therapies
Upward movement of the abdominal gases
Intake of meat and fish
Intake of excess of curd and un-boiled mi