Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, which inflames your airways (Bronchi). It is characterized by
*Shortness of Breath or difficulty in breathing
*A feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.
*Frequent upper Respiratory infection and wheezing
*Coughing - usually dry, light and non-productive
In today's stressful living, the incidence of asthma has increased considerably. Children suffer more than adults and the disease is more common in boys than in girls.
Asthma attacks are not all the same. Some are worse than other. Many people with asthma have problems only occasionally, but others struggle with it every day. It can be life threatening particularly if it is not treated adequately and promptly.
Ayurvedic insight into asthma has a broader perspective. It classifies asthma as an acutely Kaphic disorder with simultaneous accumulation of ama (toxin which is produced by undigested and uneliminated food particles) at respiratory system brought on by excessive mucous and phlegm. Although the human body has a great intelligent, natural healing system that is capable of rejuvenating itself, the formation of toxins reduces this natural capacity. So, the versatile approach of Ayurveda  helps in treating asthma as the focus is on the root cause of the disease. Hence, the therapy does not focus on the disease but the cause.

Treatment
Ayurveda emphasizes on treatments to eliminate such toxins and balancing the Dosha
Some such treatments are:
*Vamana  ( Therapeutic vomiting)
*Virechana ( Purgation therapy)
Vamana is the procedure in which we eliminate the waste product (kapha toxins) which are collected in the body and respiratory track from its roots (stomach) through the mouth. The course of treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them. After vomiting, the patient feels very comfortable as most of the congestion, wheezing and breathlessness will disappear along with the clearing of sinus. As the process of purification is done from the roots, the chances of sudden asthma attacks is brought under control. After Vamana, the Virechana therapy and internal medicines plays a role to stop further production of toxins and strengthen the immune system, make the respiratory system more resistant, enhance self-reliance, vitality and mental clarity.  Treatment for children below 14 years and aged people should be only through internal medicines.
The author is an Ayurvedic practitioner at the Shree Dhanvantari Ayurveda Hospital, Rajajinagar and can be contacted at  23505777, 9341226614