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Abstract
Introduction
Ayurvedic medical science dates back to more than 5,000 years. Bronchial asthma
is described in the ancient writing on ayurveda as early 7th AD. The works of
Caraka, Susruta and Vagbatha senior refer to this condition as Tamaka
Shvasa.Tama meaning darkness and Shvasa as breath,hence Tamaka Shvasa
meaning disorder of the breath that occurs at night.
Allegororically, this term also indicates that the disease comes in episodes.
Etiology
Ayurveda defines the root causes of asthma and its contributing as follows:
Ayurveda stresses that the above trigger factors can change the normal
physiology thereby leading or worsening the asthmatic symptoms.
Further ayurveda extols that improper food and nutrients as a major trigger
mechanism. Due to this reason ayurveda has greatly emphasized on diet
restrictions.
Susruta is of the opinion that these improper diets can increase the production
of Kapha.
This terminology Kapha corresponds to the basic plasma of the body and is
primarily a water constituent produced in the stomach and later distributed by
the lungs and heart.
An over production of this constituent and its accumulation in the tissues can
eventually lead to many chronic types of hypersensitive and allergic reactions
in the physiology. The later is carried through the channels and directly into
the chest and the lungs.
This collections in the airways causes an imbalance whereby causing
inflammations to irritate the lining of the lungs.
Ayurvedic science explains that this Avlambak Kapha that which
predominates in the chest becomes a trigger element for an asthmatic attack.
The toxin and impurities produced from this condition, causing great distress
to the epithelium becomes another trigger in the causative factor of asthma.
Medically we know today that the epithelium produces certain chemicals that
will help to inhibit bronchoconstriction. This natural inhibitory effect is lost
when there is an imbalance in the lungs.
A mixture of medicated oil mixed with salt is applied on the chest and the
back of the patient followed by hot fomentation. This procedure liquefies
the phlegm and makes it removable.
Adhatoda Vasica: One of the frequently used herb for all chest diseases. It has
been used in the management of allergic disorders and bronchial asthma.
Research studies over the years has revealed that the alkaloids present in the
leaves, vasicine and vasicinine, possess a powerful respiratory stimulant activity.
Thylophora Asthmatica: Alkaloids from this plant have been isolated and
identified as tylophorine and tylophorinine. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and as
expectorant. Tylopora may have a direct effect on the adrenal glands, thus
increasing endogenous steroid production and anti-inflammatory activity.
These illustrated herbs are only part of the many herbs that are being used in the
treatment of bronchial asthma. These herbs contain many compounds and they have
multiple therapeutic and synergistic effects, which may include anti-inflammatory
actions, bronchodilater effects and expectorant properties.
Conclusions
Asthma as we all know is a worldwide problem of serious concern. Over the years
various researches has offered significant insight into the pathophysiology of
bronchial asthma, however the scope for a permanent cure that could produce a
long lasting relief is still an unknown factor.
While modern science that has been struggling to find a cause and a cure ,
ayurveda may hold the key to help address this medical problem.
Various studies of botanical approaches in treating asthma have yielded subjective
improvements. Amazingly ayurveda has made available a very sophisticated
understanding of treating asthma at a time when there was limited scientific
understanding.
To date modern research of this medical condition with the support of
biochemistry of food has validated various ayurvedic concepts.
Researchers need to study the multiple interventions to obtain a positive
representation of the usefulness of ayurvedic medical science in asthma.
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