Ayurvedic Lung Health

Ayurvedic Lung Health – By Melissa Collins

Lungs are one of the most active organs in our body, and the only organ that can be consciously controlled by muscles, yet has an automatic rhythm.  Imagine if you had to go without food or water for a day. Now think about how this situation would change if you had to survive without air. When we breathe in oxygen, we are breathing life giving oxygen (prana) into every cell of our body. Without enough oxygen, you can fall prey to multiple health problems. Pollution, poor posture, improper diet, smoking, lack of exercise, seasonal changes and emotional grief can all result in poor lung health.

A lung imbalance can manifest in many different ways. In Ayurveda, each organ is associated to an element. Lungs are connected to the Air element and with Vata dosha which is the mind-body type associated with Air and Space. When there is too much Vata in the lungs, you may experience short of breath, dry cough, asthma, hoarse throat, broken speech, discomfort or pain when breathing, allergies or wheezing. Pitta dosha is the mind-body type associated with Fire and Water. Too much Pitta in the lungs causes yellow/green spit, blood in spit, bronchial issues, respiratory infections or inflammation of the lungs. Kapha dosha is the mind-body type associated with Earth and Water. Excess  Kapha in your lungs can manifest as mucus congestion, wet cough, hay fever, pneumonia or swollen glands.

Support healthy lungs by incorporating some the following into your daily routines:

• Use lung strengthening herbs such cardamom, holy basil, eucalyptus, and licorice
• Breathing practice (pranayama) 15-30 mins per day
• Go to yoga to improve posture, breathing, increase movement.
• Lubricate the nasal passages with a neti pot and/or use essential oils such as eucalyptus ( a natural expectorant)
• Quit smoking