In the simplest of terms, asthma refers to a condition where the patient seems to be ‘gasping for breath’. It occurs either gradually or abruptly, often preceded by cough or precipitated by strong odours, allergens or a cold climate. The air passages or bronchi of asthma patients gets clogged with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Attacks of asthma are often debilitating and severe attacks can also be fatal.
What Causes Asthma?
To understand the rationale for natural treatment of asthma, we need to understand what causes asthma. Asthma can be caused by various factors. The common reasons are allergies, be it a reaction to the weather, strong smells, dust, pollen or other allergens or even certain articles of food like potatoes, eggs, milk, wheat or beans. Asthma is known to be hereditary, and may also be precipitated by air pollution or emotional stress. Non allergic factors may include a weakness in the lung muscles or imbalance of certain enzymes of the respiratory system.
Natural Treatment Of Asthma
The immediate cause of most attacks of asthma is allergy. This indicates the existence of lowered resistance and internal disharmony. Faulty eating and incorrect habits play a major role and by rectifying them, one can get significant relief from asthma. Natural treatment of asthma involves the following steps
Stimulating proper functioning of slack excretory organs.
- An enema is first given to clean the colon of morbid matter.
- A combination of mud packs on the abdomen and wet packs on the chest can help relieve congestion of the digestive and respiratory systems.
- A steam bath or hot foot bath, causing the patient to perspire, helps to stimulate the skin and relieve lung congestion.
Elimination of morbid matter from the body by altering food habits.
- An alkaline diet should be the norm, rather than an acidic one. This means that foods which form acids, like sugars, proteins and fatty foods, should be limited and a large amount of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouts and honey should be consumed.
- A point to remember is that any patient of asthma should always eat less than his/her capacity. Food should be eaten slowly, not gulped down, and must be chewed thoroughly.
- Foods like rice, bananas, lentils, curds or oily foods promote phlegm formation and should be avoided or reduced.
- A daily intake of around 20 glasses of fresh water is also beneficial in relieving phlegm and keeping the lungs open.
- One of the most beneficial foods for asthmatics is honey. Whether consumed directly or mixed in water or milk, honey helps reduce the mucous and soothes the pulmonary parenchyma. Even breathing the air over a jar of honey provides immediate relief from an asthma attack.
- Garlic, either minced and mixed with milk or with ginger in tea, is highly beneficial in asthma. A spoonful of turmeric mixed in warm milk and taken on an empty stomach each morning is highly beneficial in reducing severity of asthma attacks.
- A mixture of mustard oil and camphor, when massaged over the back of the chest, provides relief during an asthma attack. Steam inhalation using water boiled with a spoonful of caraway seeds helps clear the lungs, dilate the bronchioles and provides relief during an asthma attack.
Strengthening the lungs and respiratory system and body circulation by yogasanas, particularly ‘Pranayam.’
- Certain yogic asanas are known to provide relief for asthma patients. These include padmasana, bhujangasana, dhanurasana, vakrasana, paschimottanasana and shavasana.
- Perhaps the one most important yogic kriya for asthma patients is ‘Pranayam.’ Pranayam is a systematic breathing exercise and is immensely beneficial in strengthening the lungs and preventing asthma attacks. Always consult a trained Yoga practitioner before attempting any yogasanas.
Apart from these, a tendency to lead as ‘natural’ a life as possible should be attempted. Stay out in fresh air and sun yourself regularly. Avoid dusty places, offensive food items or odours as well as cold and damp areas. Try to be cheerful and not get emotionally worked up or stressed. Asthmatics are not sick people, and with just a few simple adjustments, can lead a very healthy and fulfilling life.
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