How to take care of your respiratory system- The Ayurveda way

Overview

Respiration plays an essential role, in keeping the body overallhealthy. It provides the system with clean oxygen while also aiding in the removal of harmful and unnecessary gases. Healthy breathing contributes to the unhindered operation of the body’s essential organs, maintaining their health. Numerous reasons, including ongoing pollution, smoking, bacterial and viral infections, and more, have led to a large increase in the density of impurities in today’s air, which causes a wide range of respiratory illnesses. There are herbal infusions, oral drugs, and other therapies that focus on inhaling herbs. For these reasons, ayurvedic massage and yoga are also crucial supplements to ayurvedic therapy.

In India, Ayurveda has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. The genius of Ayurveda lies in using the body’s inherent power to support respiratory wellness along with use of herbal tinctures to herbal treatments, to dietary guidance and everyday activities& so on.

Ayurveda is highly acclaimed and effective for its capacity to prevent a range of respiratory issues and to support lung health.

Understanding the Respiratory System in Terms of Ayurveda

PranaVata, a sub-dosha of Vata, is thought to take care of the respiratory system. PranaVata gives us our breath of life; it governs respiration. The dosha Kapha, governing lubrication and structure, is closely related to the health of the respiratory system. If there is an imbalance in doshas, body’s resistance against diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, etc. diminishes. Balancing doshas is the best way to bring the respiratory system back to functioning as it should.

The Respiratory System and Ayurvedic Herbs

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Often referred to as the “Queen of Herbs,” tulsi is valued for its strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chewing tulsi leaves and drinking tulsi tea can improve lung health and lessen congestion.
• Mulethi (Liquorice): Drink mulethi when you start to get a sore throat. It is beneficial for the oesophagus and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Pippali (Long Pepper): Pippali is good for the lungs since it increases lung capacity and facilitates phlegm spitting.
• Vasaka (Malabar Nut): Vasaka is beneficial for a variety of respiratory conditions. It eases bronchial congestion and promotes lung relaxation.
• Turmeric: Rich in curcumin, this herb has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It will lessen airway oedema and boost your immunity.

Daily Activities for Respiratory Wellness

The methods of Ayurveda that enable us to keep our respiratory system both healthy and functioning properly include the following activities performed daily:

• Pranayama: Techniques like Anulom Vilom and Bhastrika strengthen the lungs and increase their capacity to take in oxygen through activity. Doing these daily is the only way to increase your respiratory efficiency.
• Nasya Therapy: Applying an aroma oil to the nose can help prevent allergies and bring in fresh air. For instance, our nasal passageways are clear when Anu Taila is applied to the nostrils. What a welcome change!
• Herbal Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam infused with herbs like tulsi, camphor, and eucalyptus will help clear your channels, expand your airways, soothe your respiratory system, and relieve congestion.
• Oil Pulling: This process, which cleanses the body and also helps to prevent respiratory infections from the body’s local oral cavity microorganisms, involves swishing small amounts of oil in the mouth every day until inflammation is reduced.

Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Lungs

Eat well, according to Ayurveda, and your lungs will thank you. The daily dos are as follows:

• Use heated broth and easily digested foods: To prevent the formation of Kapha, simply heat some mild to medium-spice soups and stews.
• Spices: Most of them have two sides to them. Ginger or cinnamon are warming for the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and clear obstructions from the mouth to the back of the throat.
• Honey: An all-natural expectorant that eases phlegm and coughs. Avoid dairy products and cold drinks as these will only encourage kapha growth and increase snot production.

A Few Pointers on Respiratory Health

Besides food and plants, there are some important aspects of life that also play a leading role in maintaining one’s respiration:

• Sip warm water throughout the day: This helps to keep your respiratory system moist and flush out pollutants.
• Avoid going in areas with air pollution: This may entail avoiding dust, smoke, and other forms of industrial waste. Wearing a mask helps to safeguard the respiratory system’s health and vitality on days with high pollution levels.
• Yoga: Yoga poses like Matsyasana (Fish Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) can give your chest a new perspective. Lung capacity can be directly enhanced by this.
• Engage in regular exercise: Exercise in general will improve your ability to use the oxygen that is available to you and strengthen the breathing muscles.

Summary

An all-inclusive natural lung health system is Ayurveda! Ayurvedic herbs and breathing exercises, along with a balanced lifestyle, can support the lungs and help many breathing apparatus disorders to go away from your physical body. You can breathe more comfortably and experience life in a more balanced and natural way if you pay close attention to consciousness on a regular and consistent basis.An all-inclusive natural lung health system is Ayurveda! Ayurvedic herbs and breathing exercises, along with a balanced lifestyle, can support the lungs and help many breathing apparatus disorders to go away from your physical body. You can breathe more comfortably and experience life in a more balanced and natural way if you pay close attention to consciousness on a regular and consistent basis.