Asthma Relief Techniques

Asthma can cause breathing difficulties by narrowing the airways. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. The following natural remedies, dietary tips, and lifestyle practices may support asthma relief:

Home Remedies

1. Clove Water: Boil 2-3 cloves in half a glass of water. Allow it to cool to a drinkable temperature, then consume. Repeat twice daily, 45 minutes before meals.
2. Mustard Oil Massage: Slightly heat pure mustard oil with camphor and massage onto the chest and upper back to ease breathing.
3. Pomegranate and Ginger Drink: Blend pomegranate seeds with fresh ginger and a little honey. Drink one glass in the morning.

Aahaar (Dietary Habits)

1. Diet:
   • Favor Satvik foods, including whole grains and citrus fruits.
   • Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day.
   • Eat small, frequent meals (4-5 times daily) in small portions.
   • Aim to have dinner before sunset and eat freshly prepared foods.
   • Avoid stale or reheated foods.
2. Beneficial Foods:
   • High Potassium Foods:
     • Fruits: Apricots, avocados, apples, oranges, bananas
     • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, silverbeet
     • Vine Fruits: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, pumpkin
     • Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes
     • Legumes: Beans, peas
   • Herbal Tea: A blend of lemongrass, ginger, and mint makes an excellent tea for asthma.
3. Avoid:
   • Stale, preserved, or refined foods; fast food and factory-made items
   • High-carb foods like sweets, white rice, farina (maida)
   • Cold foods such as ice cream and sodas
   • Oily or overly processed foods, including pickles
   • Fried food
   • Animal products
   • Tip: If you consume anything cold, balance it with warm water.

Vihar (Rest and Recreation)

• Engage in hobbies that uplift you, such as singing, dancing, or playing instruments.
• Avoid lying down during an asthma attack; instead, sit upright, breathe calmly, and observe your breath.
• Walk for an hour daily in good weather; avoid rain and breezy environments.
• Release stress and tension through relaxation practices.

Achar (Daily Routine)

1. During an Asthma Attack:
   • Sit relaxed on a chair, leaning on a table for support.
   • Practice inhaling forcefully through the active nostril and exhaling through the mouth. Hold the breath briefly, then repeat for 10 rounds.
2. Night Routine:
   • Place a hot water bag on your abdomen and throat for 5-10 minutes nightly, and drink warm water.

Yogic Techniques

1. Asanas (Poses):
   • Practice poses like Tadasana, Sarvangasana, forward and backward bends, and chest-opening poses such as Ustrasana and Bhujangasana.
2. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises):
   • Practice techniques such as Kapalbhati
   • Focus on deep breathing throughout the day.
3. Jala Neti:
   • Consider regular nasal cleansing to maintain open airways.
4. Sun Exposure:
   • Sunbathe before 10 AM, especially on the chest and face.
5. Additional Tips:
   • Keep your head and face warm, especially in the early morning and at night.
   • Bathe with water that’s at or slightly warmer than body temperature.
   • Avoid direct breeze, fans, air conditioning, and hot sun exposure on the head.

Vichar (Mindset)

1. Acceptance:
   • Avoid trying to change others; instead, accept them as they are or focus on changing your own perspective.
2. Stay Positive:
   • Approach work and responsibilities with a peaceful and cheerful mindset.