Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma [Shwas rog]

In today's stressful modern urbanised living, incidence of Asthma is considerably increasing. The rapid industrialisation , excessive crowding , Increasing pollution are some of the factors responsible for this increase in incidence of Bronchial Asthma.
It has been stated that 15% of Indian population suffers from Asthma and in developed countries like USA every year there is 10% increase of Asthmatic patients
Every now and then we come across patients of Asthma seeking Ayurvedic treatment and advice. This is because of the versatile approach of Ayurveda to root cause of the problem and it's belief in preventing the disease rather than treating it.
Ayurvedic Concept : In Ayurveda, Asthma is known as 'Swas Roga'

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) : The vitiated 'Pranvayu' combines with deranged 'Kapha dosha' in the lungs causing obstruction in the 'Pranavaha srotasa'(Respiratory passage). This results in gasping and laboured breathing. This condition is known as 'Swas Roga'
Types of Asthma : Five types of 'Swas Roga' are described in Ayurvedic texts
1]Maha-shwas
2]Urdhva-shwas
3]Chinna-shwas
4]Tamak-shwas
5]Kshudra-shwas
Among these five types first three are not curable. 'Tamak-shwas is 'yapya'(Controllable) and is difficult to cure. The last one is curable. More than 75% of the cases belong to last two catagories.

Cause of Asthma :
A] Factors related to diet:Excessive indulgence in lablab beans ,black grams, raw milk, soar curd, excess salt, flesh of aquatic and wet land animals.
Excessive use of 'Ruksha'(dry) and 'Guru'(heavy) diet, excessive use of cold water and cold drinks.
Excessive use of 'Abhishandi'(Kapha producing) diet, Excessive use of not easily digestible and irritant food.
B] Factors related to work :Excessive exposure to dust and smoke.
Excessive wind, cold, cold bath or excessive heat, sun bath.
Exhaustive exercise, walking, excessive sexual activities.
Supression of natural urges
Psychological factors
C] Other Factors :Trauma to vital organs viz. - chest, throat
Asthma may be as a sequaelae in other diseases like -
Fever, Long standing common cold, Tuberculosis , Anaemia, Heart disease, Poisoning etc.
Preventive Tips for Asthma : 

1. Avoid cold and damp places.
2. Go for morning or evening walk, do yoga mainly 'Pranayama'
   
3. Avoid over eating . Take light dinner one hour before going to bed
   
4. Avoid Tobacco, wine and smoking
   
5. Keep rooms well ventilated . Avoid air conditioners, coolers and direct air of fan
   
6. Avoid perfumes , Agarbatti. Mosquito repellents
   
7. Drink boiled water in plenty
   
8. Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex
   

       
        Treatment for Asthma :
A] During attacks - Apply warm 'Til tail' over chest and back .Apply fomentation
        Take 'sunth powder'1/4 tea spoon+'Kali mirch' 6+'Kala namak 1/4 teaspoon+ 5 leaves of 'Tulsi' Boil this mixture in 200 ml water reducing it to 50 ml. Filter and sip it.
        Medicines -Ayurvedic medicines are very safe and cure the problem to a great extent. Few common medicines are -Swaskuthar ras, Sitopaladi choorna, Vasavleha etc.
B] Treatment in between Attacks - 'Rasayan -chikitsa is advocated for'Pranvaha shrotasa'(Respiratory system). For example -1] 'Vardhaman pippali rasayana.'
2] Take 'Agastiprash' - 2 tsf daily.
3] Lung Tonic - Make paste of Black resin,dates, long pippali and honey,in equal quantity.Take one teaspoonful of it morning and evening with warm milk.