awakening
   

 

HEALTHY BREATHING

by Amrit Kumar

   

Breath—our link to life! Breathing is unique as it is the only automatic vital function that we have conscious control over. In Ayurveda, the breath is considered to be the very essence of life; it is the life force known as “Prana”. In relaxation, we breathe more deeply and regularly, our life force is balanced and sensitive to the changing demands of our environment. However, breathing is one of the first responses to emotional and cognitive activity and when we are stressed or afraid or anxious it is immediately reflected in our breathing patterns. For asthmatics, correct breathing is a vital link between the emotional, psychological and physical factors that are implicated in both the development and treatment of asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects more than 3 million Australians! It affects 1 in 4 school children and is the most common chronic illness in children and adolescents. It is a condition that is characterised by recurrent attacks of respiratory spasms that result in laboured and difficult breathing. People who suffer from Asthma have sensitive airways that narrow and restrict airflow in response to allergies and/or triggers. During an asthma attack, in inside lining of the airways become inflamed, the smooth muscle fibre around the airways contract, excess mucus is produced and the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become filled with fluid. Colds and flues, allergens such as smoke, dust, mould, pollen, sudden changes in temperature, chemicals, some foods and some drugs such as aspirin, can trigger asthma attacks. However, as a holistic form of medicine, Ayurveda also looks at lifestyle and emotional factors that may play a role in the development of asthma and its treatment.

Any dysfunction of the breath is seen as a manifestation of problems with the Prana, the life force. In this vein, asthma is characterised by Ayurveda as a deep-seated fear of life. Since our breath is so closely related to our emotions, breathing problems often occur as a result of trauma. If we get into the habit of breathing shallowly or irregularly in response to an uncertain or threatening life experience, and if this shallow breathing continues for many years, it can lead to the development of asthma.

Diet is also a crucial consideration in the treatment of asthma. As some foods are mucus producing, they should be avoided at all costs. Cold foods and cold drinks are also aggravating as they cause muscle contractions that may trigger shortness of breath.

As asthma is such a prevalent disease in children, it is essential to understand the connection between a child’s emotional development and their breathing patterns, as well as the implications that diet has on the development and treatment of asthma. If a child is exposed to tension, aggression or fighting at home at an early age, they can develop insecurities about their home and fear of a ‘threatening’ world. This fear, if it is not resolved and continues for many years, can be expressed in distorted breathing patterns and an imbalance in the very life force, or Prana, of a child. Such emotional factors can be greatly exacerbated by an unbalanced diet. When food is not digested properly it becomes toxic and affects the immune system. When an asthmatic is subjected to depleted immune system they will be unable to fight viruses and bacteria. If the respiratory system comes under attack, the bronchiales will become inflamed and may contract leading to an asthma attack. Furthermore, un-metabolised food material can lead to excess mucus production which in times of extreme stress or a sudden change in environment may obstruct the breathing apparatus. Some foods are mucus producing such as bananas, sweets, cold milk and milk products. White bread is also a risk factor for asthmatics as the lack of fibre increases sugar levels when the carbohydrates are broken down and increased sugar levels lead to more mucus.

In the allopathic tradition, asthma is considered to be incurable and is normally treated with bronco-dilator drugs, antibiotics and an attempt to reduce allergens such as pollen, dust, cigarette smoke and mould from the immediate environment. However, through Ayurveda, asthma can be successfully managed without the use of synthetic drugs, through diet, lifestyle and controlled exercise. Therapy may also include counselling in order to identify and resolve the root cause of any fears or inhibitions that may influence the development of asthma. It is highly recommended that asthmatics engage in controlled breathing exercises, meditation and some yogic Asana exercises (body postures) as these activities help to bring the Prana back into balance whilst maintaining a healthy physical body.

Amrit Kumar is the Sales and Marketing Manager for her father’s company Australerba Herbal Products and Spagyric Laboratories. Through her father Dr. Krishna Kumar she has been associated with Ayurvedic Medicine throughout her life. She has a passion for natural health of both the body and mind that is reflected in her work and her studies in the fields of Philosophy and Psychology.

 

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