First you should check what’s the cause for breathlessness, First rule out as you are telling oxygen levels are dropping you should not neglect and seek urgent medical attention
The symptoms you’re facing sound serious and likely require immediate medical attention, especially if your oxygen levels are dropping significantly. It’s essential to prioritize your safety and consult with a healthcare professional right away to rule out any emergency conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory issues.
In the context of Ayurveda, breathlessness can be linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and physiological functions like breathing. Here’s a holistic approach that combines immediate relief strategies with long-term solutions.
Firstly, for immediate relief, perform deep breathing exercises and keep calm as much as possible. Try “Nadi Shodhana” or alternate nostril breathing, done consciously. Sit in a comfortable position, close your right nostril with your thumb, inhale slowly through the left, close the left nostril with your ring finger, release the right nostril and exhale. Repeat this for a few cycles, it may help balance energy channels and restore some calm.
In terms of diet, include warm, nourishing and slightly oily foods to pacify Vata. Foods like warm soups, stews, cooked vegetables, and whole grains. Others like sesame oil, almonds, and dairy products (if it’s not an allergen for you) can also help. Avoid raw, cold, and dry foods that can aggravate Vata.
Building strength and enhancing lung capacity is crucial. Pranayama techniques like Bhastrika (bellows breath) can be beneficial when practiced daily, but gradually. Begin slowly as it might initially be intense, increasing as your comfort and capacity grow.
Herbally, you can consider using Pippali (long pepper), which is known for supporting respiratory health and boosting lung capacity. However, it’s important to get personalized advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner, ensuring it suits your unique constitution (prakriti).
Stay hydrated and ensure good digestion by consuming ginger tea or adding a little fresh ginger to your meals. Ginger is strengthening for Agni, or digestive fire, and can help clear Kapha build-up, often associated with congestion.
Incorporate gentle exercises like yoga or walking in nature, to keep both mind and body at ease, but avoid exertion. Engage with routines like warm baths to calm anxiety and sooth the nervous system.
In your case, since you mentioned using Aspidosperma already, please discuss with both your Ayurvedic practitioner and a conventional doctor, since combining treatments needs careful management.
Remember, while Ayurveda provides a broad range of tools to enhance wellbeing, any persistant symptoms or severe conditions like you describe must be evaluated by medical specialists to ensure safety and effective treatment.
