Why Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma Focuses on Balancing Kapha and Vata

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the narrowing of airways and inflammation, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. In Ayurvedic science, asthma is referred to as Tamaka Swasa, which translates to “obstructed or difficult breathing” emphasizing the breathing difficulty caused by an imbalance in the doshas – Kapha and Vata. 

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on two Asthma types – 

1. Kapha-type, which involves excess mucus and congestion.  
2. Vata-type which involves dryness, spasms, and irregular breathing. 

The treatments aim to reduce Kapha through detoxification, herbal remedies, and dietary regulation whereas therapies focus on nourishing and stabilizing Vata to improve lung function and reduce respiratory distress. 

Choosing the Best Ayurvedic hospital in Kerala is important to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper assessment of the Doshas. Ayurvedic treatment centers in Kerala are proficient in figuring out the root cause of asthma while being the frontrunners of providing the best care. 

Understanding Asthma in Ayurveda

An imbalance of Kapha causes thick mucus to build up in the airways, creating blockage and congestion. When Vata is disturbed, it triggers spasms and irregular airflow, further narrowing the passages and worsening breathing. 

In Ayurveda, the root-cause approach is called Nidana Parivarjana. It targets the cause of a disease rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. It works by correcting the dosha imbalance and the lifestyle factors that triggered it. It’s used in almost every leading Ayurvedic treatment center in Kerala.  

Pranavaha Srotas are the respiratory channels responsible for carrying prana (life force) and air throughout the body. Agni (Digestive fire) is responsible for proper digestion and metabolism. When Agni is weak, the body processes food poorly, leading to the formation of toxins called Ama. They obstruct the Pranavaha Srotas, causing Asthma or other respiratory diseases.  

Why Kapha Imbalance is Central in Asthma

Kapha controls mucus production and fluid balance in the body. When there is an imbalance, it leads to excess mucus produced. This causes congestion, wheezing, blocked airways, and difficulty breathing; this makes Kapha a central factor in Asthma. 

Ayurvedic treatment for Kapha prioritizes the opening of constricted airways and aims to reduce heaviness in the chest and cleanse toxins. 

The Influence of Vata in Asthma

Vata controls all movements in the body, including breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and digestion. When Vata becomes unstable, it causes breathing issues, including sudden asthma attacks.  

Ayurvedic treatment for Vata prioritizes the stabilization of breathing by calming airflow and reducing spasm. The central goal is to make respiration stable and smooth.

Interaction of Kapha + Vata Imbalances

Excess Kapha causes the mucus to cause congestion in the respiratory airways, blocking the respiratory airflow. This disturbs Vata and makes it inconsistent. As Vata controls air movements and breathing rhythm of the body, the disturbances cause wheezing, spasms and shortness of breath. When Vata keeps getting unsettled by the blockage of Kapha, it worsens prevailing breathing difficulties, causing perpetual asthma attacks. 

That’s why addressing them together is essential for the long term.  Ayurvedic treatment focuses on reducing Kapha to clear the airways and stabilizing Vata to regulate breathing rhythm, restoring respiratory harmony. Balancing both doshas is relevant for a sustainable and peaceful functioning of the respiratory system. It’s achieved by the effective application of Nidana Parivarjana.

Ayurvedic Asthma Treatment Approach

Any dedicated Ayurvedic Asthma treatment center in Kerala will utilize the effectiveness of Panchakarma detoxification method to treat Asthma. The Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) helps the practitioners to expel excess Kapha, Virechana (Purgation) helps in cleansing the digestive tract and removing toxins (ama), Snehana (Oleation) and Swedana (Fomentation) is utilized prior to elimination therapies, as the body is prepared using herbal oil massages (snehana) and steam (swedana). Sweating therapies such as Uppu Kizhi (Salt poultice) and Manal Kizhi (Sand poultice) are also used.  

• Ayurvedic therapies prioritize calming Vata and restore its normal flow. Gentle massages, Shirodhara (Head stream therapy), warm oleation, and herbal medications are utilized for that.  

• Herbs and Herbal formulations like Vasaka, Tulsi, Pippali, Sitopaladi Churna helps in decongesting the airflow, boosting immunity and reinforcing anti-inflammatory defence in your body.  

• Nasya is the administration of medicated oils like Anu Tailam, powders, or decoctions through the nostrils. It is believed to clear and strengthen the respiratory channels, especially the upper airways. Shodhana Nasya (cleansing) is utilized for more intensive treatment, whereas Shamana Nasya (maintenance) aids long-term balance. 

• Ayurvedic centers infuse medicinal herbs like Tulsi or menthol oils into the steam. This helps open the airways and reduce inflammation.  

• Respiratory exercises like pranayama and other related practices are used to strengthen the lungs and improve airflow. These are usually customized to the patient’s dosha profile, but the goal is to improve Pranavaha Srotas (the vital life force).

Therapies Commonly Used

• Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) and Virechana (purgation) are detoxification therapies that help in eliminating excess Kapha from the body, clearing mucus from the respiratory channels, and removing congestion. Vamana targets upper respiratory Kapha, while Virechana cleanses lower digestive and systemic Kapha. 

• Abhyanga (medicated oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Basti (medicated enema) are uplifting therapies that help in balancing Vata. Abhyanga nourishes tissues, calms nervous system irregularities and spasms. Swedana promotes circulation and eases constricted airways, easing breathing. Basti supports Vata regulation in the lower body, indirectly stabilizing respiratory function and flow of energy.  

• Nasya (nasal therapy) administers medicated herbal oils or drops through the nose to clear nasal passages, remove mucus, and facilitate airflow. 

• Ayurvedic herbs such as Haridra (turmeric), Kantakari, Vyaghri and the herbal formulation of Sitopaladi helps in clearing mucus, supporting lung health, enhancing immunity and preventing recurrent attacks or inflammation.  

• Controlled breathing exercises like Pranayama are practiced for strengthening lung capacity and regulating Vata controlled Airflow. Yoga asanas revitalize respiratory functions by improving chest expansion and oxygenation.  

• Maintaining a proper dietary plan also reduces the accumulation of Kapha and regulates proper digestion while preventing the formation of Ama. 

Benefits of Balancing Kapha and Vata

Balancing Kapha and Vata reduces the recurrence of asthma. This relieves congestion, controls wheezing, and regulates proper breathing airways. 

By regulating proper breathing exercises, you can reinforce your lung capacity and ensure a healthy respiratory system. 

The benefit of balancing and regulating doshas, along with Agni, is that it reinforces the natural defense of the body. A strong immunity develops resistance to environmental triggers, infections, and allergens. 

Ayurveda addresses the root cause rather than just symptoms, offering sustainable relief from asthma while minimizing any chance for side effects.

Why Choose Omshree Siddh Hospital

Omshree Siddh Hospital is one of the best Ayurvedic hospitals in Kerala for respiratory disorders. We specialize in providing therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments with utmost care. 

Our classical and authentic therapies earned us a tag of one of the most trusted Ayurvedic treatment centers in Kerala, that has been practiced by experienced Ayurveda physicians for generations. 

We offer personalized asthma care with an array of our specialized Holistic healing programs, which are designed to naturally balance Kapha and Vata. There are dedicated facilities for patients seeking a reliable Ayurvedic Asthma treatment center in Kerala and we want you to get the most memorable and restorative healing. 

Conclusion

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that focuses on the attainment of a healthy and holistic life. It prioritizes the balancing of Kapha & Vata because both form the foundation of respiratory health. A good Ayurvedic treatment of Kapha and Vata focuses on proper evaluation of the condition, setting a functional detox method and applying dosha specific treatment to lull respiratory issues and ensure prolonged asthma relief. 

By choosing the right Ayurvedic center, you’re ensuring accurate diagnosis, soothing therapy, deep healing, and improved respiratory functioning.