Issue : 04 DOI :
INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL
OF
DIAGNOSTICS
AND
RESEARCH
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
91
Abstract
Respiratory disorders, notably bronchial asthma, represent a pressing global health concern, impacting approximately
300 million people worldwide, with 15-20 million cases in India alone. Urban prevalence surpasses rural rates due to
pollution, smoke, and lifestyle factors, as reported by the World Health Organization. Modern treatments, including
bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and anticholinergics, provide symptomatic relief but often result in long-term side
effects and dose dependency. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system, describes Tamaka Shwasa—a condition
closely resembling bronchial asthma—characterized by dyspnea, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness, attributed to
vitiated Vata and Kapha doshas obstructing the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels). This literary review
examines Tamaka Shwasa through classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, comparing
its etiology, pathogenesis, and management with bronchial asthma. Causative factors (Nidana) such as dust, cold
foods, and excessive exercise align with modern triggers like allergens and infections. Ayurvedic management
emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana (trigger avoidance), Shodhana (purification therapies like Vamana), and Shamana
(palliative care), complemented by Brimhana and Rasayana for immunity enhancement. In contrast, contemporary
approaches focus on pharmacological intervention. This study highlights the integrative potential of combining
Ayurveda’s holistic preventive strategies with modern acute care to address bronchial asthma’s chronicity and reduce
reliance on drugs with adverse effects. Further clinical validation is needed to standardize these approaches, offering a
promising framework for comprehensive respiratory care.
Keywords: Bronchial Asthma, Tamaka Shwasa, Ayurveda, Nidana, Pathogenesis, Shodhana, Shamana, Integrative Medicine,
Respiratory Disorders, Pranavaha Srotas
P
ISSN No. : 2584-2757
Volume : 02
Issue : 04
DOI
: 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 6 0 3 2 949
Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)
Year of Establishment – 2016
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Corresponding author: Dr. Bhavika Patil
Article Info: Published on : 15/07/2025
Impact Factor : 1.013
A Comprehensive Review Of Tamaka Shwasa And Its Correlation With
Bronchial Asthma:An Ayurvedic Perspective
Dr. Bhavika Patil
1
, Dr. Santosh Chavan
2
1
Third Year PG, Department of Rogidan evum Vikriti Vidnyan, D. Y. Patil School of Ayurveda, navi Mumbai,
Maharashtra, India.
2
HOD, Department of Rogidan evum Vikriti Vidnyan, D. Y. Patil School of Ayurveda, navi
Mumbai,Maharashtra, India.
Cite this article as: - Dr. Bhavika Patil (2025) ; A Comprehensive Review Of Tamaka Shwasa And Its Correlation With
Bronchial Asthma:An Ayurvedic Perspective ;Inter.J.Dignostics and Research 2 (4) 91-97, DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 6 0 3 2 949
G
A
R
V
Issue : 04 DOI :
INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL
OF
DIAGNOSTICS
AND
RESEARCH
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
92
Introduction:
Respiratory ailments contribute significantly to
global morbidity and mortality, with bronchial
asthma emerging as a widespread chronic condition
affecting diverse populations
[1]
. The World Health
Organization (WHO) estimates that 100-150
million people globally, including a substantial
proportion from India, are impacted by this
[2]
. In
urban Indian settings, environmental factors like
smoke and pollution exacerbate its
prevalence
[3]
.Conventional therapies, including
corticosteroids and bronchodilators, manage
symptoms but often lead to dependency and
adverse effects
[4]
.Ayurveda offers an alternative
lens through Tamaka Shwasa, one of five types of
Shwasa Roga (respiratory disorders), which mirrors
bronchial asthma in its clinical presentation and
pathophysiology
[5]
.Described as an independent
disorder with specific causative factors and
therapeutic strategies, Tamaka Shwasa provides a
holistic framework that may complement modern
interventions
[6]
.This article aims to elucidate the
Ayurvedic understanding of Tamaka Shwasa, its
parallels with bronchial asthma, and potential
integrative management approaches.
Methods :
This study is a literary review based on classical
Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita,
Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga
Sangraha, and Madhava Nidana, alongside
contemporary medical literature. Data were
compiled on the etiology (Nidana), pathogenesis
(Samprapti), symptoms (Rupa), and treatment
principles (Chikitsa Sutra) of Tamaka Shwasa.
Comparative analysis was conducted to correlate
these with bronchial asthma’s epidemiology,
pathophysiology, and therapeutic modalities as
described in modern sources like Davidson’s
Principles and Practice of Medicine and Harrison’s
Principles of Internal Medicine. The review
synthesizes findings to highlight similarities and
differences, emphasizing integrative potential.
Epidemiology and Prevalence :Bronchial asthma
affects 5-10% of the global population, with a
notable prevalence in children and older adults
[7]
.In
India, its incidence has risen, aligning with trends in
other Asian countries
[8]
.Ayurveda identifies Tamaka
Shwasa as a condition precipitated by
environmental and dietary factors, with a chronic,
palliative nature (Yapya Vyadhi)
[9]
. Both conditions
show higher urban prevalence, attributed to
pollution and lifestyle changes
[10]
.
Etiology :
Ayurvedic texts list numerous causative factors
(Nidana) for Tamaka Shwasa, categorized by their
influence on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. These
include dry foods (Rukshana), cold drinks
(Sheetapana), dust (Rajas), smoke (Dhuma), and
excessive exercise (Ativyayam)
[11]
.
Modern science identifies allergens (e.g., pollen,
dust), infections, and drugs like aspirin as triggers
for bronchial asthma, alongside genetic and
environmental factors
[12]
.Both systems recognize
extrinsic (allergic) and intrinsic (non-allergic)
triggers, with Ayurveda emphasizing dietary and
behavioral influences
[13]
.
Issue : 04 DOI :
INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL
OF
DIAGNOSTICS
AND
RESEARCH
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
93
Pathogenesis :
Śvāsa Saṃprāpti (Pathogenesis of Dyspnoea) –
Ayurveda
Stages
Details
Nidāna (Causative
Factors)
Exposure to dust,
smoke, cold wind;
excessive exercise;
heavy, unctuous,
sweet food;
suppression of natural
urges.
Doṣa Prakopa
(Aggravation of
Dosha)
Mainly Vāta and
Kapha get vitiated.
Vāta
dries and deranges
Kapha.
Doṣa Saṅchaya and
Prasara
Kapha accumulates in
chest region. Vāta
spreads Kapha
through respiratory
channels.
Sthāna Saṃshraya
(Localization)
Localization in
Prāṇavaha Srotas
(Respiratory System).
Vyakti (Manifestation)
Difficulty in
breathing, coughing,
wheezing, chest
tightness.
Bheda (Types)
Mahāśvāsa,
Urdhvaśvāsa,
Chinnaśvāsa,
Kṣudraśvāsa,
Tamakaśvāsa.
Saṃprāpti Ghaṭaka
Doṣa: Vāta-Kapha;
Dūṣya: Rasa, Rakta,
Meda; Srotas:
Prāṇavaha Srotas;
Adhiṣṭhāna: Urah.
Nidāna (Causative Factors)
↓
Vāta-Kapha Prakopa (Aggravation)
↓
Kapha Saṅchaya (Accumulation in Chest)
↓
Vāta helps in Prasara (Spread)
↓
Sthāna Saṃshraya (Localization in Prāṇavaha
Srotas)
↓
Srotorodha (Obstruction)
↓
Lakṣaṇa Utpatti (Symptoms Appear)
↓
Bheda (Types of Śvāsa)
Saṃprāpti Flowchart
Saṃprāpti Ghaṭaka Summary:
Factor
Details
Doṣa
Vāta-Kapha Pradhāna
Dūṣya
Rasa, Rakta, Meda,
Prāṇavaha Srotas
Srotas
Prāṇavaha Srotas
Udbhava Sthāna
Āmāśaya (Stomach)
Vyakti Sthāna
Urah (Chest Region)
Mārga
Ābhyantara (Internal
Pathway)
Issue : 04
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
94
In Ayurveda, Tamaka Shwasa arises from the
vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas, leading to
obstruction in the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory
channels) and upward movement of Prana Vayu
(Pratiloma Gati)
[14]
.This aligns with bronchial
asthma’s airway hyperresponsiveness and
inflammation, driven by IgE-mediated reactions in
atopic cases or infections in non-atopic
cases
[15]
.The Ayurvedic Samprapti includes stages
like Sanchaya (accumulation) and Vyaktavastha
(manifestation), paralleling asthma’s progression
from triggers to symptomatic episodes
[16]
.
Samprapti of Svasa
Clinical Features :
Tamaka Shwasa presents with dyspnea (Shwasa),
cough (Kasa), wheezing (Kanth Gurghurak), and
chest tightness (Peedonam Hridayasya), worsening
at night or in cold conditions.
[17]
These symptoms
closely resemble bronchial asthma’s hallmarks—
dyspnea, wheezing, and cough—often exacerbated
by allergens or weather changes.
[18]
Ayurveda
further classifies subtypes, Pratamaka (with fever)
and Santamaka (severe, with loss of
consciousness), suggesting varying intensities akin
to asthma’s acute and chronic forms.
[19]
Diagnostic Tools Modern Diagnostics :
Contemporary diagnosis of asthma involves
multiple tools to assess airway obstruction,
inflammation, and reversibility:
Spirometry: Measures FEV1 and FVC to
assess airway obstruction and reversibility
with bronchodilators.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR):
Monitors diurnal variation and treatment
response.
Methacholine Challenge Test: Assesses
airway hyperresponsiveness.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO):
Indicates eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Serum IgE Levels and Skin Prick Tests:
Identifies atopic sensitization.
Chest X-ray: To rule out other differential
diagnoses12.
Ayurvedic Diagnostic Indicators :
Rupa and Purvarupa: Symptoms such as
breathlessness, chest tightness, and
restlessness.
Nidana: Evaluation of dietary, lifestyle,
Issue : 04
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
95
seasonal, and doshic causes.
Dashavidha Pariksha: Tenfold Ayurvedic
examination, including Prakriti
(constitution), Bala (strength), and Srotas
examination.
Treatment Approaches :
Ayurvedic management emphasizes Nidana
Parivarjana (avoidance of triggers), Shodhana
(purification therapies like Vamana and
Virechana), and Shamana (palliative care with
Vata- Kapha balancing drugs) .
[20]
. Modern
treatment relies on bronchodilators, corticosteroids,
and anticholinergics to relieve airway
obstruction.
[21]
.Ayurveda also advocates Brimhana
(nourishment) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) to
strengthen immunity, contrasting with modern
medicine’s symptom-focused approach.
[22]
Discussion:
The parallels between Tamaka Shwasa and
bronchial asthma are evident in their clinical
manifestations and triggers, suggesting a shared
pathophysiological basis. Ayurveda’s holistic
approach, targeting doshic imbalances and lifestyle
factors, contrasts with modern medicine’s
pharmacological focus.
[23]
.The integrative potential
lies in combining Ayurveda’s preventive strategies
(e.g., Nidana Parivarjana) and rejuvenative
therapies with modern acute management
tools.
[24]
.For instance, Vamana (therapeutic emesis)
may reduce Kapha-related mucus, complementing
bronchodilators.
[25]
.However, challenges remain,
such as standardizing Ayurvedic protocols and
validating their efficacy through clinical trials. The
chronicity of both conditions underscores the need
for long-term, immunity-enhancing strategies,
where Rasayana therapy could play a pivotal
role.
[26]
Conclusion :
This review establishes Tamaka Shwasa as an
Ayurvedic equivalent to bronchial asthma, offering
insights into its etiology, progression, and
management. By integrating Ayurveda’s preventive
and therapeutic modalities with modern treatments,
a comprehensive approach to bronchial asthma
management could emerge, potentially reducing
dependency on drugs with side effects. Further
research is warranted to validate these integrative
strategies and enhance their applicability in clinical
settings.
References:
1. Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ,
Hobson RP. Davidson’s Principles and
Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Edinburgh:
Elsevier; 2018. p. 548.
2. Global Initiative for Asthma
(GINA).Available from:
https://www.ginasthma.com. [Accessed
2023].
3. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 107.
Issue : 04
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
96
4. Tripathi KD. Essentials of Medical
Pharmacology. 7th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee
Brothers; 2013. p. 222.
5. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita. Revised by
Charaka and Dridhbala with Ayurveda
Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta.
Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan;
2017. Chikitsasthana 17/8. p. 533.
6. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Revised by
Sushrutavimarshini commentary by Sharma
PV. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia;
2004. Uttaratantra 51/6. p. 424.
7. Mohan H. Textbook of Pathology. 7th ed.
New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers; 2015. p. 464.
8. Agarwal S. Effect of Shirishadighanavati in
the management of Tamaka Shwasa w.s.r.
to bronchial asthma [PG thesis]. Jamnagar:
IPGT & RA; 2008. p. 4.
9. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya. Revised by
Sarvanga Sundari commentary by
Arundatta. Varanasi: Chaukhamba
Surbharati Prakashana; 2007. Nidanasthana
4/3. p. 472.
10. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 108.
11. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita.
Chikitsasthana 17/55-61. Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan. p. 533-
539.
12. Kasper DL, Fauci AS, et al. Harrison’s
Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th ed.
New York: McGraw Hill; 2015. p. 1420-
1421.
13. Sharma PV. Sushruta Samhita. Uttartantra
51/8-10. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia;
2004. p. 424.
14. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 110.
15. Mohan H. Textbook of Pathology. 7th ed.
New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers; 2015. p. 463.
16. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita.
Chikitsasthana 17/10-11. Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan. p. 533.
17. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 112.
18. Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ,
Hobson RP. Davidson’s Principles and
Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Edinburgh:
Elsevier; 2018. p. 567.
Issue : 04
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00054 |ISSN :2584-2757
97
19. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Sangraha.
Nidanasthana 4/8-12. Pune: Shrimat Atreya
Prakashana; 1988. p. 360-362.
20. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita.
Chikitsasthana 17/74-76. Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2017. p.
533-539.
21. Tripathi KD. Essentials of Medical
Pharmacology. 7th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee
Brothers; 2013. p. 232-233.
22. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 113.
23. Madhavakar. Madhava Nidana. Revised by
Vijayarakshita and Kanthadatta. Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2006.
Purvardha 12/15. p. 175.
24. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 115.
25. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita.
Chikitsasthana 17/71-72. Varanasi:
Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan. p. 533-
539.
26. Pandey M, Mishra M, Srivastava S. A
Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa
(Bronchial Asthma). J Ayurveda Integr Med
Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117. p. 114.
ISSN: 2584-2757
DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 6 0 3 2 949
Dr. Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research
This work is licensed under Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 License
Submission Link : http://www.ijdrindia.com
Benefits of Publishing with us
Fast peer review process
Global archiving of the articles
Unrestricted open online access
Author retains copyright
Unique DOI for all articles
https://ijdrindia.com