A Critical Review on Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) - An Ayurvedic View

Abstract

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath may be simply termed as Shwasa (Asthma), As per Ayurveda, Shwasa is mainly caused by the Vata and Kapha Doshas. Shwasa is broadly classified into five types in Maha Shwasa (Dyspnoea major), Urdhawa Shwasa (Expiratory Dyspnoea), Chinna Shwasa (Chyne-stroke respiration), Kshudra Shwasa (Dyspnoea minor), Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). In modern science Tamaka Shwasa can be correlated with Asthma, Asthma which is a chronic inflammatory disease of airway. In modern medicine there is no cure for Asthma, symptoms can typically be improved. In Ayurveda, Asthma can be effectively and safely manage the condition without inducing any drug dependency where Pachakarma procedures and use of internal medication detoxifies the body, provides nutrition and increases the elasticity of lung tissue it also develops natural immunity of the body thus decreasing episodic recurrence of the disease.