Causes of Asthma According to Ayurveda
An important idea in Ayurveda to remember throughout reading this article and studying the science in general, is that many health problems begin in the digestive tract.
Asthma is one of those health problems that Ayurveda theory believes is created by a build up of toxins in the digestive tract. These toxins are carried through the body’s channels into the area of the chest and lungs where they irritate the lining of the airways and create inflammation. (Modern medicine describes damage to the epithelial lining of airways as a major contributing factor to asthma.) Toxins also begin to clog the channels of circulation that leads to the body’s tissues – so cells are not properly nourished and even more impurities collect.
With such a large accumulation of toxins in the tissues, the body’s natural defenses that react against impurities are pushed into overdrive. For example: inflammation and excess secretion of fluid is the body’s natural defense response to help remove toxins from the tissues. This reaction results in the lungs filling up with fluid and restricted airwaves: asthma!
An imbalanced nervous system can also make the symptoms of asthma even worse. Physical, emotional and mental stress is known to cause relapses of asthma and make symptoms worse. Vata is the Dosha that controls the balance of the nervous system and is typically at the root of stress and anxiety, so it should be one of the first Doshas to be addressed in an Ayurvedic treatment. Using products and practices that reduce stress is a major component of the Ayurvedic healing of asthma.
Since the root problem of asthma is not external factors but internal imbalances, any step toward balance, even a small one, could have a positive impact on symptoms of asthma. But first, the person suffering from asthma has to stop doing the things that are creating toxins in the first place for other healing methods to be truly effective.
The most common generators of toxins include:
- Weak digestion
- Constipation
- Imbalanced metabolism
- Stress
- Non-organic, processed food
- Poor diet and food combinations
Do you think you have asthma but have never been diagnosed? Here are some common symptoms:
- Cold
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Weakness
- Severe anxiety
- Mucus production
- Sleeping disorders
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy throat and chin
- Moodiness, headaches
- Chest tightness and pain
- Breathlessness at the time of an attack
- Wheezing; a hissing sound at exhalation
- Signs of a cold like sneezing, nasal congestion and sore throat
At-Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Asthma
- Follow a set daily routine. One of the most powerful (and honestly, essential) ways to balance Vata is to have a consistent daily routine. When you eat, sleep and exercise in constantly changing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles and cannot cleanse or heal itself as effectively. An improper lifestyle can create the Vata imbalance at the root of asthma.
- Practice daily meditation. Many individuals experience worsened symptoms of asthma when they are stressed and anxious. This is due to hormonal imbalances and other biochemical responses to stress that can aggravate the nervous system, create pain and depress the immune response. The sleep disturbance that is often created by symptoms of asthma also increases fatigue, which increases one's susceptibility to stress, which in turn aggravates the asthma condition – and a downward spiral begins. There is a wealth of scientific research verifying the effect of meditation on reducing many of the mental and emotional factors influencing asthma.
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Eat fresh, whole, organic foods. Asthma can be aggravated through improper diet and food combinations. There are some foods that aggravate Vata: things that have the qualities of light, dry, crunchy, cold, rough and airy. Chips and salad are a good example. Emphasize warm, cooked, grounding daily meals and avoid raw food and juice, at least until you begin to see an improvement in your symptoms.
- Practice abhyanga on a daily basis. Abhyanga is typically done with an herbalized massage oil that is individually prescribed for your unique condition. There is a specific massaging technique that balances Vata to the optimum level and deeply soothes the nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat and friction which enhances circulation and helps to cleanse the areas of chemical impurities that could be causing symptoms of asthma. The oil and herbs cleanse and nourish the tissues. The oil can be left on for up to an hour and then washed off in a warm bath or shower.
5 Arya Vaidya Sala - Kottakkal Ayurveda Products to Support the Healing of Asthma
The following products are merely suggestions. It is always best to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner when using our products to be sure that you are going to get the optimum results.
This liquid remedy balances all three of the Doshas, strengthens digestion and improves nutrient intake.
Vasakadya is a liquid product that balances Vata, Kapha and Rakta Dosha and is used as a healing agent for asthma.
Balajirakadi balances Vata and Kapha Dosha and supports the treatment of respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma and coughs and colds.
Dadimadi Ghritam is herbal ghee that balances Vata and Pitta Dosha and is used for a variety of different health problems, but also asthma and coughs.
This herbal oil balances Vata and Kapha Dosha and is used to externally during abhyanga support the healing of coughs, colds and asthma.
Here are a few more articles you may be interested in:
Panchakarma: The Complete Mind-Body-Spirit Healing and Detoxification
Kunyi Recipe for Healing and Rejuvenation
3 Ayurvedic Medicines to Balance Your Clients with Excess Pitta
Disclaimer
The purpose of this article is to provide information about Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health problems please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with our affiliated practitioners. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.