It can then be distributed to other sites in the respiratory tract manifesting as imbalances. Although accumulation of mucus does not inherently mean that a respiratory imbalance will develop, it is indicative of low agni, or digestive fire. Low agni is among the common causes of respiratory imbalances and very often, the treatment protocol involves enkindling the digestive fire so that digestion can operate more optimally. Other causes of lung imbalances include:
- Improper diet
- Polluted air
- Seasonal changes
- Poor posture
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive grief and attachment
Although there can be an imbalance of the other doshas, vata and pitta, resulting in more asthmatic (vata) and infectious (pitta) conditions, people with excess kapha and kapha predominate constitutions are generally more susceptible to imbalances involving excess mucus.
Common manifestations are:
- Colds and flu
- Congestion
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Swollen glands or lymphatic congestion
Sore Throat Ayurveda offers ways to bring an increased dosha back into balance through diet, lifestyle and herbal supplements.DietFollow a kapha reducing diet. Guidelines can be found by clicking this link: http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/balancing_kapha.htmlHere are some simple tips to follow:
- Avoid heavy, dense foods such as meat and cheese.
- Avoid fatty, fried foods.
- Eliminate dairy.
- Sip hot water with lemon and honey with meals and throughout the day.
- Include warm digestive spices in your diet such as ginger, cloves, cardamom and black pepper.
- Do not overeat or drink in excess.
Have your mid-day meal be the largest, eating a lighter breakfast and dinner. HerbsBanyan's Lung Formula blends pippali, licorice, cane sugar and other herbs to nourish and support healthy respiration. This formula supports healthy lung function.
Take 1-2 tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner. In the case of low digestive fire, an appetite stimulant and digestive aid such as Trikatu can be taken.LifestyleThe key lifestyle tip to balancing kapha and maintaining good lung health is exercise. Kapha dosha can be very stubborn, dense and sticky.
Warming the body through exercise helps to liquefy this substance, bringing it back to the digestive tract in order to be eliminated. When exercising, the breathing rate increases to meet the body's demand for more oxygen. This helps to expand lung capacity, keeping them functioning optimally. Other daily lifestyle practices that can help keep the respiratory tract clear are:
Nasya oil - lubricates the nasal passages and supports uncongested breathing
Neti pot - removes mucus and pollution from the nasal passages Meditation Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind and is an effective practice to help dissolve negative emotions that can be detrimental to your health. The calming and relaxating effect of meditation can help to regulate breathing patterns, improving lung function.
Sit quietly, firmly rooted, focusing on the crown of your head and your breath.
Bring your awareness to the natural rhythm of your breath.
Notice the gentle inhalation, exhalation and the short pause of retention in between.
If the mind begins to wander, invite it back to the breath.
Allow thoughts to ebb and flow with the breath, staying perfectly present to each moment.
Practice meditating 10-20 minutes every day. YogaRegular practice of yoga improves posture and keeps the body's channels open and free flowing. Linking breath and movement is an optimal way to invite space and increase vitality within the body's tissues and organs. Asana or postures that move the rib cage and stretch the intercostal muscles help to keep lungs healthy. By bringing more flexibility into the ribs, back and shoulders, the lungs can expand more fully.
To also keep kapha dosha in check, practice yoga asanas more vigorously. Sun Salutations, Suryanamaskar, or any continuously linked yoga practice including many standing postures can help to raise the heart rate and improve lung function.PranayamaYogic breathwork or pranayama is an excellent way to revitalize prana within the body.
Pranayama is a practice in controlling the breath. Pranayama cleanses and strengthens the physical body while calming and clearing the mind. It is important to practice with the proper posture to allow the breath to move freely in the body. Pranayama may be the ultimate tool to help support healthy lung function. It conditions the diaphragm while helping to more fully oxygenate the blood. Try alternate nostril breathing to balance the breath and support the lungs.
Position the right hand (you may choose to alternate with each practice) in vishnu mudra by folding the index finger and third finger inwards to lightly touch at the base of the thumb. Your pinkie finger rests by the side of the ring finger. You will alternately use your thumb to close your right nostril and your ring and pinkie fingers, working as one, to close your left. Rest your left hand comfortably in your lap. The breath should never feel forced. Envision the breath as a light thread of silk, lengthening effortlessly with each inhalation and exhalation.
Keeping the breath relaxed, subtle and light:
Close the left nostril and exhale completely through the right.
Inhale fully, through the right nostril.
Inhale through left nostril.
Close left nostril and exhale through right nostril.
This is one round. Begin a slow and regular practice of 5-10 rounds. Rest after your practice and notice how you are feeling. Once comfortable with this practice, you can begin mentally counting to four on your inhalation, pause at the space between the breath and then count to four as you exhale so that the length of your inhalation and exhalation are equal.
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