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What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease of the lung which impairs breathing. The disease includes two main conditions: emphysema, which damages the air sacs or alveoli in the lungs and chronic bronchitis that inflames and constricts the bronchial tubes. The leading cause of COPD is the long-term exposure to irritants, most often cigarette smoke. Other causes are air pollution, occupational dust, and fumes.

In Ayurveda, COPD is related to a breathing disorder called ‘Tamaka Shwasa’. According to Ayurveda, your body has three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. COPD is characterised by Vata (air and movement) and Kapha (mucus and fluid) and only sometimes, Pitta (heat and inflammation) imbalance.

When Kapha blocks the small airways in your lungs, Vata (air) also gets blocked. This trapped air pushes against and damages your lungs. Pitta may also cause heat and inflammation. This is why you feel chest tightness, breathlessness, coughing with phlegm, or even wheezing.

Ayurvedic treatment for COPD aims at clearing your blocked airways, balancing doshas and strengthening your lungs. Cure for COPD in Ayurveda includes:

• Herbal medicines.
• Detox therapies like Panchakarma.
• Breathing exercises (Pranayama).
• Changing the diet.
• Lifestyle advice to avoid smoking and other triggers.

With this all natural and holistic approach, Ayurveda aims to improve not only your COPD symptoms but also your complete lung health and energy levels.

What are the Stages of COPD?

COPD does not appear suddenly. Rather, it develops slowly and becomes increasingly severe with time. Doctors perform a breathing test called FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) to see how your lungs are working. Based on this, COPD is categorised into four stages:

Stage 1 - Mild COPD

At this stage, you might not even realise something is wrong. You may just feel short of breath when you go up stairs or walk fast. Here, the lung damage is minor and your FEV1 score is still 80% or more of normal.

Stage 2 - Moderate COPD

Now, when you progress to this stage, the symptoms are harder to ignore. You may cough more often, feel your chest tightening, or have to stop and catch your breath even when walking on normal ground. Here, FEV1 ranges between 50% and 80% of normal.

Stage 3 - Severe COPD

In this stage, breathing becomes even harder. You may feel breathless even while dressing or bathing. You might also get tired easily or feel weak. FEV1 reaches 30% -50% at this stage.

Stage 4 - Very Severe COPD (End Stage)

This is the most serious stage. You might have trouble breathing even at rest and your oxygen levels might be really low. In this stage, the risk for heart or lung failure is also more. Here, FEV1 is less than 30%.

Common Causes of COPD

As we have discussed, COPD develops slowly over time and generally begins with damage to your lungs that you do not even realise. The main causes of COPD are:

1. Smoking: If you smoke cigarettes, bidis or pipes, you have the greatest risk of COPD. Actually, more or less 20-30% of long-term smokers develop COPD. Even if you have stopped smoking, the damage might have started earlier. Even if you passively smoke, i.e., breath in smoke from others, this can also harm your lungs over time.

2. Exposure to Fumes and Pollution: Breathing in toxic fumes like from wood, coal or kerosene used for cooking or heating, can also cause COPD. In most rural and semi-urban homes of India, this is a common cause. If you work somewhere where dust, smoke, or chemicals are found every day, you are at more risk.

3. Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema: COPD could begin as chronic bronchitis (chronic coughing with mucus) or emphysema (lung injury by irritated airways). These conditions can narrow your airways and trap air inside, making it hard to breathe. Chronic breathing problems or repeated chest infections may increase your risk for COPD.

4. Asthma with Smoking: If you have asthma and you also smoke, you have a higher chance for COPD. The inflammation from asthma and smoke damage make your lungs even more weak.
5. Age and Genetics: COPD generally appears after the age of 40. But in rare cases, many people inherit alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, which weakens the lungs and leads to COPD, even if you don't smoke.

Symptoms

Dyspnea

Difficulty getting enough air. The breathing becomes shallower and usually worsens with exertion.

Chronic coughing

Persistent cough that will often bring up large volumes of phlegm (mucus).

Wheezing

Wheeze, a high-pitched whistling or squeaky sound when inhaling or exhaling.

Chest pressure or tightening

Feeling tight in the chest

Infections

Increased incidence of pneumonia, common colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.

Exertional Fatigue

Lack of energy and feeling tired with exertion

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to COPD

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of COPD using evidence-based and time-tested Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are made specifically to target the root causes of COPD, and instead of just treating the symptoms, they focus on complete healing, balance and stability.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

• HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: These are HACCP certified herbal mixtures prepared to restore balance and emotional calm.
• Relaxing Practices Like Yoga & Meditation: Easy daily routines which make you feel much more calm, let you handle stress better and elevate your mood.
• Healing Ayurvedic Treatments: Natural therapies like oil massages and detox methods (like Panchakarma) to cleanse your body and support your mental and emotional health.
• Easy Diet & Lifestyle Guidance: Expert tips on eating better, living healthier and developing habits that help you feel your best everyday.

Ayurvedic Medicines for COPD

Ayurveda offers a natural method to manage COPD with proven herbs that help to strengthen your lungs, reduce inflammation, and expel mucus from your airways. These herbs support easier breathing and improve your overall energy and immunity.

These are some effective Ayurvedic herbs and natural remedies commonly used as cure for COPD in Ayurveda:

Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica)

Vasaka is one of the most important herbs for respiratory problems. It clears unwanted mucus from lungs, chest, and nose to help you breathe much better. Also, it is considered effective in lung infections and other respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa)

Pushkarmool works best in people who have trouble breathing and feel tightness in their chest. It helps with wheezing and coughing by clearing mucus and opening up your airways. It also supports normal lung function and better oxygen flow.

Mulethi/Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Mulethi is a sweet-tasting root that soothes your lungs and is used for dry or productive coughs. It reduces chest pain, clears phlegm and helps you breathe better. It contains compounds like glycyrrhizic acid which lower inflammation and prevent your lung tissues from further damage. It is especially useful if your mucus is yellow or green, which indicates an infection.

Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi is also called "Queen of Herbs." It acts as an expectorant, i.e, it breaks down and removes mucus from your lungs. Tulsi also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect your lungs and reduce breathing difficulty.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha strengthens your body and increases your energy levels if you are struggling with COPD. It helps to reduce fatigue, improves breathing and clears thick mucus from your lungs and nose. It also supports your immune system, which is usually weak if you have chronic lung problems.

Curcumin (from Turmeric)

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin. This is basically an antioxidant that protects you from lung inflammation. It protects your lung’s tissues from damage and helps you breathe better. Curcumin is especially effective against chronic lung inflammation.

Adraka (Ginger)

Ginger has warming and anti-inflammatory properties. It clears your blocked airways and supports lung detox. Ginger also strengthens your digestion which is important for the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory diseases.

Ela (Cardamom)

Cardamom helps clear mucus and calm your respiratory tract. It refreshes your breath and supports better airflow through the lungs. It is generally added to herbal mixtures for its therapeutic benefits.

Trikatu

Trikatu is prepared by combining three herbs- black pepper, long pepper and ginger. It improves your digestion and metabolism and clears toxins from your lungs. It also improves the absorption of other herbs for faster recovery.

Pippali (Long Pepper)

Pippali is believed to strengthen your lungs and clear out accumulated phlegm. It also improves your breathing capacity and controls recurring lung infections.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. It helps to reduce mucus buildup, fights infection, and supports lung health. It also increases blood circulation for better oxygen delivery.

Vitamin D

It has been seen that most people with COPD have low amounts of vitamin D. This Vitamin helps keep your lungs healthy and also aids in preventing severe signs. Taking it under Ayurvedic supervision can help with your recovery.

These Ayurvedic herbs are often taken together depending on your condition and stage of COPD. Before starting any herbal treatment, it is important that you speak with a licensed Ayurvedic doctor, particularly if you're on any other medication or have any other health problem.

Ayurvedic Treatment for COPD  

Ayurveda considers this disease an imbalance of both Kapha (Earth and water) and Vata doshas, involved with the respiratory system (Prana Vaha Srotas). Ayurveda treatment primarily focuses on-

• Reducing inflammation: That is the use of Anti-inflammatory herbal remedies.
• Drain mucus: Such as use of expectant herbs, therapies.
• Strengthen lung: By refreshing herbs, lifestyle changes.
• Digestive improvement: It is crucial for overall and immunity condition. Ayurvedic Medications may include following:
• Herbal remedies: Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kantakari, and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) are commonly used herbs for respiratory conditions. These are believed to have bronchodilator, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Panchakarma therapies: Therapies like Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation) may be used to eliminate excess Kapha.
• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, breathing exercises (Pranayama), and stress management techniques are recommended.

Diet & Exercise 

Diet and exercise are important supportive measures for managing COPD.

• Diet: A light, warm, and easily digestible diet is recommended. Heavy, oily, cold, and processed foods should be avoided as they aggravate Kapha. Include warm liquids, soups, and spices like ginger, turmeric, and black pepper.
• Exercise: Regular gentle exercise, like walking, helps improve lung function and endurance. Pranayama, such as Bhastrika and Anuloma Viloma, can strengthen the respiratory system.

FAQs

• Is COPD curable? 

COPD is a progressive disease with no cure, but its progression can be slowed, and symptoms can be managed.

• Is smoking the only cause of COPD? 

While smoking is the leading cause, exposure to air pollution, occupational dusts and fumes, and genetic factors can also contribute.

• Can COPD be reversed? 

The lung damage caused by COPD is generally irreversible, but treatment can help improve lung function and quality of life.

• Are there any specific breathing exercises for COPD? 

Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can be helpful for managing shortness of breath. Pranayama techniques from yoga are also beneficial.

• Can Ayurveda replace the conventional treatment of COPD? 

Ayurveda can be an excellent adjunct therapy, but it is always recommended to consult with a medical doctor and an Ayurvedic practitioner.

• What are some good dietary tips for COPD? 

Avoid mucus-forming foods like dairy products, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Focus on warm, cooked foods and plenty of fluids.

• How can I avoid exacerbations of COPD? 

Avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke and air pollution, keep vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, and follow your treatment plan.

• Does stress trigger the worsening of COPD symptoms? 

Yes, but it worsens breathing. Techniques to manage stress are helpful.

• What are the stages of COPD? 

COPD is staged with respect to lung function tests (FEV1).

• Can herbal remedies interact with other medications? 

Yes, they can. Some herbs do interact with medications. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are on any herbal supplements.