Impact of single therapeutic session of Ghritapana followed by Swedana on pulmonary function in moderate asthma exacerbation: An experience

Abstract Bronchial Asthma (BA) is a multifactorial chronic airway disorder, characterized by breathlessness, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. In Ayurveda, it closely correlates with Tamaka shwasa (~Bronchial asthma), a condition predominantly involving Vata (~ Dosha responsible for movement and cognition) and Kapha dosha (~ dosha responsible for regulating body fluids and keeping the body constituents cohesive) with associated Pitta anubandha (~associated with Pitta dosha , responsible for regulating body temperature and metabolic activities), classically described as Tamah-pravesha (~sensation of being enveloped in darkness). A 55-year-old male with a 35-year history of recurrent BA presented with worsening symptoms over the last two years. The patient also had complaints of exertional dyspnea (Grade 3 on the modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] dyspnea scale), associated with sneezing, running nose, sense of chest heaviness, and had frequent inhaler use (2–3 times daily). Clinical examination revealed bilateral expiratory monophonic rhonchi, and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) findings confirmed moderate airway obstruction. The case was managed on the lines of Tamaka shwasa with Ghritapana (~internal oleation) consisting of Go-ghrita (~cow’s ghee) with Kapha-Vatahara (~reduces Kapha and Vata dosha ) formulation including Trikatu churna, Yavakshara (~barley alkali), Saindhava lavana (~rock salt), followed by Bahya snehana (~external oleation) and Swedana (~sudation therapy). Following therapy, there was significant improvement in the clinical symptoms, with a marked reduction in mMRC dyspnea grading and improvement in PFT parameters. This case suggests that Ghritapana (~to moisten/loosen toxins for later expulsion) for Dosha utkleshana (~provocation of Dosha ), followed by Swedana, may not only serve as Purvakarma (~preparatory procedure) but also offers promising therapeutic approach in moderately obstructive, chronic BA, with evident enhanced airway functioning and reduction in respiratory obstruction.