Asthma and Acupuncture:
Asthma is very common respiratory condition. It is a heterogeneous disease. It is mostly characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. The symptoms get triggered by factors such as viral respiration infections, exercise, allergen, or change in weather.
The causes of asthma include genetic factors, allergens (indoor allergens, occupational allergens, drugs, and food additives), triggering factors (air pollution, smoking, respiratory virus infection) and many more. Acupuncture in Traditional Chinese medicine enhance the immune system function of patients and thus play a role in relieving phlegm. Acupuncture therapy has a considerable effect on respiratory system and can inhibit allergic reactions and reduce the inflammation in the bronchial muscles which gives antiesthetic effects.
Acupuncture therapy mainly regulates the chi to achieve the balance of yin and yang. Clinical studies in recent years have found that the use of acupuncture in the treatment of bronchial asthma has a good clinical application prospect.
To the best of our knowledge, conventional treatments and acupuncture therapy goes together very well in reducing the symptoms of Asthma. Clinical studies show that when acupuncture is used with conventional medicine as an adjunctive therapy then it is more effective in reducing Asthma symptoms.
Asthma and Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, asthma is known as Shwasa Roga. The main cause of asthma in Ayurveda is improper digestion. Undigested food produces toxins (Ama), as a result vitiated Vata circulates along the respiratory tract and excess Kapha ( produced by impaired digestion) gets accumulated in the airways, blocking the channels of respirations.
There are five kinds of Shwasa Rog:
Kshudra characterised by over exertion
Tamaka characterized by darkness behind eyes
Chhinna characterized by interrupted breath
Maha characterized by heavy breathing
Urdhava characterized by prolonged upward breathing
In all types of Shwasa Rog, Tamak shwas is close to Bronchial asthma. According to Ayurveda, it often becomes worse in the evening after dark who has pre-existing condition of fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety are direct causes for the disturbance of Vata and exacerbate its tendency for both contraction and erratic movement in respiratory system.
The symptoms of asthma include coughing and wheezing especially in night, shortness of breath, tightness of airways and chest and pain.
According to Ayurveda consumption of heavy and rich diet, intake of excessive salt, intake of cold food, exposure to cold and damp areas, dust, smoke, allergens and cold baths results in Vata imbalances. At the same time, kapha dosha also get vitiated due to heavy, greasy and sweet food . Combined imbalances in vata and kapha can trigger symptoms of asthma.
Treatment of Asthma in Ayurveda; According to Ayurveda, the root cause of Asthma is impaired digestion. There are four approaches to treat asthma such as shodhana, shamana, rasayana and satvajaya which includes panchkarma (detox treatment), change of diet and lifestyle, inclusions of polyherbal formulations and breathing exercises.
Diet and Lifestyle for Asthma in Ayurveda;
- Drink warm water throughout the day
- Consume
more green leafy vegetables and fruits as they contain anti-oxidants
Eat a light dinner at least an hour before sleep - Practise breathing exercises and yoga to improve overall lungs health
- Avoid heavy foods like cheese, curd, butter milk, creams, banana, greasy, sour and fried foods, processed foods containing preservatives.
- Avoid excessive exercises
Dr Kusum Lata is a Registered Acupuncturist and Qualified professional Ayurvedic Doctor. At AcuAyur Holistic Health Centre, individuals who have asthma concerns can avail Acupuncture, Ayurvedic Medicine and Ayurvedic Detox treatments according to need and preference. If you think these time-tested traditional medicines can make a difference in your wellbeing, or would like further information, then please call Dr. Kusum Lata on (03) 9803 8718 or write email on info@acuayur.com.au
Note: The treatment protocol may change on the bases of a person’s body constitution and other conditions. If you are willing to make any changes related to your asthma concern, please consult your medical Doctor first and then consult Ayurvedic practitioner.
