In Ayurveda, the breath holds a revered position as the bridge between body and mind. When the breath flows freely, vitality and well-being thrive. However, conditions like allergic rhinitis disrupt this natural flow, causing discomfort and imbalance.
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as ‘hay fever’, occurs when individuals encounter allergens in the air, triggering an allergic reaction. This reaction prompts the body to produce histamine, a chemical compound. It’s important to note that allergic rhinitis differs from infective rhinitis, or the common cold, and is not contagious. Allergic rhinitis can occur year-round, but it’s most prevalent during spring, summer, and early rainy seasons when trees are in bloom, resulting in higher pollen counts. However, unseasonal allergies can also arise from exposure to pets, dust mites, and cockroaches at any time of the year. Allergic rhinitis symptoms remain as long as the person is exposed to allergens. Most of the symptoms can be treated if the treatment has been started in the initial stage. If it is left untreated it leads to many other associated diseases like asthma, nasal polyps, sinusitis, inflammation of turbinate.
Predisposing factors of Allergic Rhinitis are Genetics – it gets inherited, if any of the family members present with allergies; humid climate; Residing in places having very low air quality; people who have asthma or any skin allergies like eczema.
Sign & Symptoms Includes:
- Running Nose: initially there will be running nose, where the mucosal discharge will be watery in nature.
- Headache: heaviness in the head and there will be difficulty in lifting the head due to accumulation of mucus in the sinuses.
- Pain in the Sinuses: there will be an accumulation of mucus in the sinus cavities for a long time leading to infection and inflammation of the sinuses leading to sinusitis.
- Watering of Eyes – when exposed to allergens irritating the eyes, histamines will be produced as a response. Histamines cause eyelids and conjunctiva to become swollen, itchy, red, & watery.
- Nasal Blockage: as the disease progresses, the mucosal discharge becomes thick and purulent in nature. Sometimes we can see blood stains in the discharge.
- Cough: swelling and irritation in the airways and exposure to allergens trigger cough.
- Fever: Hay fever will be present when an individual is exposed to allergens.
- Malaise: general discomfort will be seen when there is an infection in the body.
- Change of Voice: as this disease involves the upper respiratory tract, there will be inflammation of the larynx caused by allergens/infection & narrowing of the nasal passage which leads to a change in resonance of the voice.
Insights of Ayurveda practices
Prior to commencing treatment for Pratishyaya, it is crucial to determine the stage of the disease, distinguishing between the early stage characterized by Ama (Nava Pratishyaya) and the chronic stage marked by Pakwa (Jeerna Pratishyaya).
Nava Pratishyaya (treatment in the initial stage)
Treatment includes dietary adjustments with light foods like Ganji, kichadi, and Pongal for 3 to 5 days, ensuring warmth through covering ears, using hooded jackets, and steam inhalation, along with incorporating Deepana Pachana Dravyas like jeera, pepper, Hingu, Ajwain, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. Additionally, sour, Teekshna, and Ushna properties in herbs are recommended, alongside consuming warm water for drinking and bathing, and ingesting milk with juice from wet ginger or dry ginger with jaggery.
Pakwa Pratishyaya (treatment in the later stage)
Ingesting medicated ghee provides immunity benefits, while resting in a clean, pollen-free environment and covering the head with thick clothes aid in protection. Steam inhalation with sour substances like alma further supports treatment.
Other Treatments:
Nasya treatment involves administering medicine through the nostrils, using forms like oil, ghee, powder, or smoke. However, it’s contraindicated in the early stages of Pratishyaya. Avapeedana Nasya, employing drops of leaf juice, is recommended initially to reduce inflammation and facilitate the flow of sticky discharge. Typically, Swarasa of Maricha, Pippali, Tulasi, or Ardrak is utilized for Avapeedana Nasya.
Dhoomapana involves inhaling medicated smoke through the mouth or nose, determined by the individual’s Doshika balance, and exhaling only through the mouth. The specific choice of medicinal substance is tailored to the individual’s condition by an Ayurvedic practitioner. Commonly used Dravyas for Dhoomapana include Devadaru, Apamarga, Aragwada, Maricha, among others.
Vamana, a controlled emetic procedure, aids in expelling vitiated doshas (toxins) from the body, particularly beneficial for individuals with prolonged Pratishyaya to purge accumulated Kapha.
Virechana, a controlled purgation, targets the elimination of Doshas, notably vitiated pitta dosha, from the body. In Pratishyaya, it is advocated for its detoxifying effects, enhancing digestion, metabolism, and overall bodily functions by expelling toxins.
Basti, specifically Asthapana Basti, is recommended for Pratishyaya. This enema treatment involves the administration of medicated Kashaya to pacify accumulated Vata and eliminate toxins from the body.
Other Treatments:
Haridra (Curcuma longa): Rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly due to curcumin, which aids in reducing infection and inflammation by combating allergens through antibody production.
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuliflorum): Abundant in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-allergic, antioxidant, anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic, and immunomodulatory properties, facilitating infection combat and disease severity reduction.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Packed with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, enhancing energy levels, reducing stress and anxiety, and mitigating inflammation by combating antigens.
Ardraka (Zingiber officinale): Noteworthy for its antihistamine properties, diminishing histamine production in response to allergens, while also providing relief from headaches and improving digestion.
**Prior to initiating any of the aforementioned herbs or treatments, it is imperative to seek guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
