Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early morning. At Ayurom, Dr. Dharmendra Dube provides comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment that reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks while strengthening respiratory health.
Ayurvedic Understanding: Tamaka Shwasa
Ayurveda classifies asthma as Tamaka Shwasa — a condition primarily caused by aggravated Kapha dosha obstructing the respiratory passages, with Vata dosha driving the spasmodic nature of attacks. The condition is rooted in impaired digestion that creates ama (toxins) which accumulate in the lungs.
Treatment Protocol
- Kapha Elimination Therapy: Specialized herbal protocols and steam therapies to clear accumulated Kapha from the lungs and respiratory passages, often providing dramatic improvement.
- Internal Medicines: Formulations including Kanakasava, Vasarishta, Sitopaladi Churna, and Agastya Rasayana that open airways, reduce mucus, and strengthen lung tissue.
- Nasya Therapy: Medicated nasal drops to clear the upper respiratory tract and prevent triggers from reaching the lungs.
- Dhumapana: Inhalation of medicated herbal smoke for bronchodilation and antimicrobial effects.
- Dietary Modifications: Kapha-reducing diet avoiding dairy, cold foods, heavy meals at night, and including warming spices, honey, and lung-supportive herbs.
- Pranayama: Specific breathing exercises — Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, and Anulom Vilom — to strengthen lung capacity and improve respiratory function.
Long-Term Management
While asthma management is lifelong, Ayurvedic treatment can significantly reduce attack frequency, decrease inhaler dependency, and improve lung function. Many of Dr. Dube's patients have achieved excellent control of their asthma, particularly when treatment is combined with recommended lifestyle changes.