Ayurvedic medicine originated thousands of years ago in India. The term Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit for "the science of life." Ayurveda treats conditions through natural elements, deriving medicine from all things found in nature, including mud, plants, animals and their parts. In treating a patient, an Ayurvedic doctor first determines which of three doshas is the patient's primary dosha and how these doshas are balanced. As there are three doshas, Ayurvedic medicine treats three forms of asthma.
Asthma and Associated Doshas
Generally, asthma is considered a Kapha dosha aliment, associated with water. Asthma of this form produces clear or white phlegm and when coughing, a rattling (or crackling) sound can be heard in the wheeze. Asthma associated with the fire dosha, Pitta, produces yellow phlegm. Patients with this form are often hot with fever, may sweat and be irritable. They are most likely to exhibit symptoms around noon and midnight. The third form, Vata dosha asthma, is characterized by dry coughing, dry skin and dry mouth. Patients may be constipated and crave warm liquids.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma
In dealing with asthma, the Ayurvedic practitioner is likely to employ a variety of treatments. This includes dietary and lifestyle changes to include exercise and meditation. Massage and even sunbathing may be prescribed along with herbs and small amounts of metal minerals, such as gold or iron. The practitioner may suggest the patient's body be cleansed of impurities in a process called panchakarma, which focuses on digestive as well as respiratory systems. With this may come enemas or medical oils deployed in a nasal spray.
Ayurvedic Medicines Used in Treating Asthma
Two commonly used preparations are Chyawanaprash and Agastya Rasayana. Chyawanaprash contains the fruit amla, which is an extremely high source of vitamin C. The remedy is often recommended for overly thin people. Agastya Rasayana is commonly given to patients who are also constipated. Both remedies increase the duration the patient goes without an asthma attack. Other herbs commonly used in treating asthma include: piper lungum, which builds up resistance against inflammation and aids in keeping the respiratory tract from constricting; adhatoda vasica, which manages the allergic disorders associated with bronchial asthma; and thylophora asthmatica, an anti-inflammatory, which acts like an expectorant.
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