To evaluate the effect of Shunti Arka Nebulization and Dhumapana in Tamakashwasa w.s.r to Bronchial Asthma - A comparative clinical study

Tamakashwasa is one such disease of pranavaha strotas caused due to vitiation of vatakapha dosha, producing symptoms like peenasa, ghurghuruka shabda, atiteevravega shwasa, pranaprapeedaka kasa etc. Classics have explained the management with the help of vamana, virechana, dhumapana, sweda and oral medications. On observing the breathing pattern, pathological changes and clinical features, tamakashwasa nearly corresponds with Bronchial asthma.  Tamakashwasa in severe condition is life threatening and needs emergency supportive measures. Acharya chakrapani states tamakashwasa can be treated with dhumapana alone without vamana if a condition is arising out of alpadosha. Acharya sushrutha have also explained dhumapana as one of the pradhanakarma as it does kaphapakarshana in tamakashwasa. Shunti Arka is mentioned as one among the shwasaghna arka and it holds the ushna properties to balance vatakapha dosha. Hence nebulization and dhumapana using shunti is useful to manage mild to moderate symptoms of tamakashwasa with certain modification, can be best alternative method for the management of tamakashwasa.