Evaluating Dhumapana Therapy for Anurjatajanya Tamakashvasa: A Comparative Study in the Purview of ‘Vātaśleṣmavibandhe vā bhiṣag dhūmaṃ prayojayet.’

Abstract

Introduction

Modern lifestyle changes have impacted human health, contributing to immune-related conditions like Anurjata (allergy), scarcely referenced in ancient texts. Stress and environmental factors contribute to respiratory issues, including allergic asthma, now affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide, projected to reach 400 million by 2025 (WHO). In Ayurveda, there is no direct reference to Anurjata, but certain causative factors (hetu) like raja (dust), dhuma (smoke), and vayu (wind) are linked to respiratory conditions such as Shvasa (dyspnea)[1]. This study evaluates the effectiveness of dhumapana therapy (smoking therapy), specifically manahshiladi dhuma, compared with vasadi kvatha (herbal decoction) in managing allergic asthma.

Methods

A comparative study was conducted on patients with Tamakashvasa (allergic asthma), with one group receiving dhumapana therapy and the other vasadi kvatha. Both subjective and objective respiratory symptoms were assessed over a treatment period.

Results

Patients receiving dhumapana therapy showed notable reductions in symptoms, including breathlessness and chest congestion, with quicker relief than those on vasadi kvatha. Improvements in respiratory function were more pronounced in the dhumapana group, possibly due to the direct action of medicinal smoke on respiratory channels (pranavaha srotas).

Discussion and Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of dhumapana therapy as an effective Ayurveda treatment for managing allergic asthma, addressing both symptoms and underlying respiratory imbalance. The quicker symptom relief observed in the Dhumapana group suggests that medicinal smoke may directly affect the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory pathways), offering a more immediate therapeutic effect than Vasadi Kvatha. These findings align with Ayurveda principles and suggest that dhumapana could be a valuable complementary approach to conventional asthma treatments. Future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these benefits and establish dhumapana as a standard option for patients with Shvasa roga.