Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What is the full form of BiPAP and how does Ayurveda approach breathing disorders?
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 59M : 36S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #16589
258 days ago
306

What is the full form of BiPAP and how does Ayurveda approach breathing disorders? - #16589

Aria

A few weeks ago, my uncle was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and the doctor told him he might need to start using a BiPAP machine. I had never heard of BiPAP before, so I looked it up and found out that it stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure and is used to help people breathe better, especially those who have trouble getting enough oxygen during sleep. This got me thinking—why do so many people struggle with breathing disorders these days? Is it just a lifestyle issue, or could there be deeper imbalances in the body? My uncle is not overweight, doesn’t smoke, and doesn’t have any major lung conditions, so why is he still facing this problem? I’ve been reading about Ayurveda’s approach to respiratory health, and I wonder if there are ways to improve oxygen flow and lung function naturally instead of relying on machines. Does Ayurveda have treatments for conditions like sleep apnea, asthma, or chronic breathing problems? Are there herbs or therapies that help open up the airways and improve breathing? Also, I heard that Ayurveda focuses a lot on Prana and the movement of air in the body. Could an imbalance in Vata dosha be causing breathing difficulties? If so, how can it be corrected? Are there specific dietary changes or pranayama techniques that could help strengthen lung function and prevent issues like sleep apnea? I’d love to understand how Ayurveda views breathing disorders and whether there are long-term, natural solutions that can help improve oxygen intake without depending on devices like BiPAP. If anyone has experience managing sleep apnea or other breathing issues with Ayurveda, please share your insights!

FREE
Question is closed

Shop Now in Our Store

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Ayurveda views breathing disorders like sleep apnea as imbalances in Prana Vayu (a sub-dosha of Vata), which governs respiration, oxygen circulation, and nervous system functions. When Prana Vayu is disturbed—due to stress, poor digestion, weak lung function, or toxins (Ama) blocking the airways—it can lead to irregular breathing, snoring, and interrupted sleep cycles. Even though sleep apnea is often linked to obesity, it can also occur in individuals with Vata imbalances, weak lung energy, or sinus congestion that restrict airflow.

To naturally improve lung function and oxygen flow, Ayurveda recommends Nasya therapy (nasal oil application) using Anu taila or sesame oil to keep nasal passages clear. Herbs like Yashtimadhu (licorice), Vasa (Adhatoda), and Tulsi help reduce airway inflammation, while Sitopaladi Churna supports respiratory strength. Pranayama techniques like Bhramari (humming bee breath) and Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) can enhance lung capacity and correct Prana Vayu imbalances. Additionally, steam inhalation with eucalyptus or camphor can help open airways and reduce congestion.

A Vata-pacifying diet with warm, moist foods like soups, ghee, and herbal teas (ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom) can further support healthy breathing. Avoiding cold, dry, and heavy foods, especially before bed, prevents mucus buildup that can worsen sleep apnea. Practicing regular Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame oil can also calm the nervous system and improve respiratory function. If your uncle has chronic breathing issues, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for a customized regimen, including Panchakarma detox therapies, may offer long-term relief and reduce dependency on BiPAP.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Ah, the whole breathing thing. It’s both simple and complex at the same time, isn’t it? You’d think its just about taking air in and out, but when it comes to stuff like sleep apnea, there’s more to the picture. So yeah, your doc was right—BiPAP stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. Basically, it’s like a little assistant giving your uncle’s lungs a gentle nudge to help them do their job, especially when he’s in dreamland and not breathing so well.

Now, why more and more folks have breathing issues these days? It’s a head-scratcher. Lifestyle does play a role, like pollution and all, but Ayurveda has an interesting take on it. Sometimes it’s about internal imbalances, especially in the doshas. Those sneaky little energy forces can get all whacked up, leading to all kinds of issues.

Vata dosha, being the mover, influences breath. When it’s outta whack, think dryness, erratic movement—kinda like traffic jam in your system. So yeah, Vata imbalances might be a factor in his situation. And even if he ain’t overweight or smoking, other things like stress or digestion issues (Agni, the digestive fire, remember?) can gum up the works.

Ayurveda definitely has some tricks up its sleeve for this. First, grounding Vata dosha is key. You’d want to look at warm, nourishing foods – think cooked stuff, nothing too airy or dry. Ojas-building foods like almonds, ghee, and milk are gold. Smaller, more frequent meals keep your Agni happy.

Breathing exercises, pranayama, are super helpful too. Start simple with Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to balance the flow of Prana or Kapalbhati for stronger lungs. Mundane but true—consistency is key.

Herbs like Tulsi (holy basil), Vasaka, and even Licorice can be brewed into teas that help soothe and open up airways.

And let’s not forget—environment matters! Clean air, restful sleep, and even little things like essential oils can be comforting. Frankincense, maybe!

But hey, if things are severe, these machines like the BiPAP are there for a reason; sometimes life just throws curveballs. Combining modern and ancient wisdom, that’s where the sweet spot is often found.

Hoping your uncle finds some relief and you both find the harmony you’re seeking! Stay curious, Ayurveda’s got plenty more to offer.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
439 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
241 reviews
Dr. Hemanshu Mehta
I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.
5
195 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I am a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician practicing since 1990—feels strange saying “over three decades” sometimes, but yeah, that’s the journey. I’ve spent these years working closely with chronic conditions that don’t always have clear answers in quick fixes. My main work has been around skin disorders, hair fall, scalp issues, and long-standing lifestyle stuff like diabetes, arthritis, and stress that kinda lingers under everything else. When someone walks into my clinic, I don’t jump to treat the problem on the surface. I start by understanding their *prakriti* and *vikriti*—what they’re made of, and what’s currently out of sync. That lets me build treatment plans that actually *fit* their system—not just push a medicine and hope it works. I use a mix of classical formulations, panchakarma if needed, dietary corrections, and slow, practical lifestyle changes. No overnight miracle talk. Just steady support. Hair fall and skin issues often feel cosmetic from outside—but internally? It’s about digestion, stress, liver, hormones... I’ve seen patients try 10+ things before landing in front of me. And sometimes they just need someone to *listen* before throwing herbs at the problem. That’s something I never skip. With arthritis and diabetes too, I take the same root-cause path. I give Ayurvedic medicines, but also work with *dinacharya*, *ahar* rules, and ways to reduce the load modern life puts on the body. We discuss sleep, food timing, mental state, all of it. I’ve also worked a lot with people dealing with high stress—career burnout, anxiety patterns, overthinking—and my approach there includes Ayurvedic counseling, herbal mind support, breathing routines... depends what suits them. My foundation is built on classical *samhitas*, clinical observation, and actual time with patients—not theories alone. My goal has always been simple: to help people feel well—not just for a few weeks, but in a way that actually lasts. Healing that feels like *them*, not just protocol. That’s what I keep aiming for.
5
1075 reviews
Dr. Vijayalaxmi Teradahalli
I am an Ayurvedic physician with clinical experience in both integrative setups and more focused specialty roles—which honestly gave me a pretty wide-angle view of how Ayurveda fits into modern patient care. I worked as the Clinic Head at Madhavbaug in Bangalore, where I wasn’t just doing OPD rounds—I was planning full treatment flows, coordinating team work, following up lab trends, and helping ppl navigate chronic issues like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and early-stage cardiac concerns. That job made me think way more about how Ayurveda can support preventive cardiology, not just wait for something to go wrong. Then came a whole different space—my time as duty doctor at a maternal hospital. It was intense, but super valuable. I worked closely with mothers through their antenatal and postnatal phases, and learned how to weave Ayurvedic support into that space without overloading the system. Like, knowing when to use a herbal decoction vs when just timing a meal better might shift the outcome. There were also moments where I had to adjust protocols based on what was happening in real time—not everything follows the textbook. Across both places, one thing stayed common—I focused hard on root-cause thinking. Not just patching up numbers or covering symptoms. I try to build care that lasts beyond that one consult. Whether it’s tweaking an oil to match a dosha shift, or helping someone actually follow a sleep routine without making them feel guilty for missing it... I believe real care is flexible, but still rooted in the classics. I use Panchakarma selectively—like Virechana or Basti when truly called for—and combine that with solid dietary advice, patient-led journaling, and mind-body awareness. I don't force rigid changes. I work with the patient's rhythm. That way it sticks better. For me, it’s not just about prescribing herbs or quoting sutras. It’s about building trust, helping people reconnect with their bodies, and using Ayurveda in a way that fits their life—not in a way that overwhelms it. That’s the kind of work I’m trying to build, one step at a time.
5
2 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
295 reviews
Dr. Nisha Bisht
I am an Ayurvedic physician with over 10 years of real, everyday experience—both in the clinical side and in managing systems behind the scenes. My journey started at Jiva Ayurveda in Faridabad, where I spent around 3 years juggling in-clinic and telemedicine consultations. That time taught me how different patient care can look when it’s just you, the person’s voice, and classical texts. No fancy setups—just your grasp on nidan and your ability to *listen properly*. Then I moved into a Medical Officer role at Uttaranchal Ayurved College in Dehradun, where I stayed for 7 years. It was more than just outpatient care—I was also involved in academic work, teaching students while continuing to treat patients. That phase really pushed me to re-read things with new eyes. You explain something to students one day and then end up applying it differently the next day on a patient. The loop between theory and practice became sharper there. Right now, I’m working as Deputy Medical Superintendent at Shivalik Hospital (part of the Shivalik Ayurved Institute in Dehradun). It’s a dual role—consulting patients *and* making sure the hospital ops run smooth. I get to ensure that the Ayurvedic care we deliver is both clinically sound and logistically strong. From patient case planning to supporting clinical staff and overseeing treatment quality—I keep an eye on all of it. Across all these years, my focus hasn’t changed much—I still work to blend classical Ayurved with today’s healthcare structure in a way that feels practical, safe and real. I don’t believe in overloading patients or selling “quick detox” ideas. I work on balancing doshas, rebuilding agni, planning proper chikitsa based on the person’s condition and constitution. Whether it’s lifestyle disorders, seasonal issues, chronic cases, or plain unexplained fatigue—I try to reach the cause before anything else. I still believe that Ayurved works best when it’s applied with clarity and humility—not overcomplicated or oversold. That’s the approach I carry into every patient room and every team meeting. It’s a long road, but it’s one I’m fully walking.
5
284 reviews
Dr. Shazia Amreen
I am Dr. Shazia Amreen, an Ayurvedic physcian with a little over 7 years of hands-on experience in clinical practice. I did my MD in Ayurveda from Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore—and honestly, those years helped me go much deeper into the classical texts and the clinical ground. Not just theory... actual healing. Since 2017, I’ve worked closely with a diverse set of patients—from chronic gut problems to skin & hair concerns, musculoskeletal issues, hormonal imbalances, kidney stones, you name it. My core strength really lies in Panchakarma and gastrointestinal healing, where I don’t just jump into detox, but take time to see where the agni is, how deep the ama has gone, and whether the body’s ready to reset. I’m very rooted in classical assessment—looking at dosha imbalance, dhatu state, and prakriti before planning anything. But also, I keep it grounded in modern daily life. What’s the point of a great herbal blend if the person can’t sleep on time or digest their food properly, right? That’s why I focus big on Ahara-Vihara guidance. I don’t just hand over a diet list—I walk people through why those changes matter, and how to make them sustainable. In my practice, I often blend Rasayana chikitsa with basic lifestyle coaching, especially for cases like IBS, PCOS, eczema, migraines, or stress-triggered flareups. Each case is unique, and I don’t believe in repeating the same formula just because it worked for someone else. I also emphasize emotional reset, especially in long-standing chronic cases—sometimes people carry fear, shame, or frustration about their illness. I try to hold space for that too. Whether it’s someone coming in for general detox, a fertility consult, or just confused by their symptoms—I aim to build a plan that makes sense to them. It should feel doable. Balanced. And over time, it should make them feel like they’re coming back home to their own body. That’s the kind of Ayurvedic care I believe in—and try to deliver every single day.
5
3 reviews
Dr. Akshay Negi
I am currently pursuing my MD in Panchakarma, and by now I carry 3 yrs of steady clinical experience. Panchakarma for me is not just detox or some fancy retreat thing — it’s the core of how Ayurveda actually works to reset the system. During my journey I’ve handled patients with arthritis flares, chronic back pain, migraine, digestive troubles, hormonal imbalance, even skin and stress-related disorders... and in almost every case Panchakarma gave space for deeper healing than medicines alone. Working hands-on with procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana gave me a lot of practical insight. It's not just about performing the therapy, but understanding timing, patient strength, diet before and after, and how their mind-body reacts to cleansing. Some respond quick, others struggle with initial discomfort, and that’s where real patient support matters. I learnt to watch closely, adjust small details, and guide them through the whole process safely. My approach is always patient-centric. I don’t believe in pushing the same package to everyone. I first assess prakriti, agni, mental state, lifestyle, then decide what works best. Sometimes full Panchakarma isn’t even needed — simple modifications, herbs, or limited therapy sessions can bring results. And when full shodhana is required, I plan it in detail with proper purvakarma & aftercare, cause that’s what makes outcomes sustainable. The last few years made me more confident not just in procedures but in the philosophy behind them. Panchakarma isn’t a quick fix — it demands patience, discipline, trust. But when done right, it gives relief that lasts, and that’s why I keep refining how I practice it.
5
74 reviews
Dr. Snehal Tasgaonkar
I am an Ayurvedic physician with around 7 yrs clinical experience, though honestly—feels like I’ve lived double that in patient hours. I studied from a govt. medical college (reputed one) where I got deep into classical Ayurvedic texts n clinical logic. I treat everything from chronic stuff like arthritis, IBS, eczema... to more sudden conditions that just pop up outta nowhere. I try to approach each case by digging into the *why*, not just the *what*. I mean—anyone can treat pain, but if you don’t catch the doshic imbalance or metabolic root, it just comes bak right? I use Nadi Pariksha a lot, but also other classical signs to map prakriti-vikruti, dhatu status n agni condition... you know the drill. I like making people *understand* their own health too. Doesn’t make sense to hand meds without giving them tools to prevent a relapse. My Panchakarma training’s been a core part of my work. I do Abhyanga, Swedana, Basti etc regularly—not just detox but also as restorative therapy. Actually seen cases where patients came in exhausted, foggy... and post-Shodhana, they're just lit up. That part never gets old. Also I always tie diet & lifestyle changes into treatment. It’s non-negotiable for me, bcs long-term balance needs daily changes, not just clinic visits. I like using classical formulations but I stay practical too—if someone's not ready for full-scale protocol, I try building smaller habits. I believe healing’s not just abt treating symptoms—it’s abt helping the body reset, then stay there. I’m constantly refining what I do, trying to blend timeless Ayurvedic theory with real-time practical needs of today’s patients. Doesn’t always go perfect lol, but most times we see real shifts. That’s what keeps me going.
5
121 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
675 reviews

Latest reviews

Lily
22 hours ago
Super helpful answer! Finally got advice that feels practical and easy to follow. Appreciate the details and natural solutions!
Super helpful answer! Finally got advice that feels practical and easy to follow. Appreciate the details and natural solutions!
Ellie
1 day ago
Thanks so much for the detailed advice! I appreciate the clear guidance on what to take. Definitely feeling better about this now!
Thanks so much for the detailed advice! I appreciate the clear guidance on what to take. Definitely feeling better about this now!
Riley
1 day ago
Thank you for such a detailed and clear response! It puts my mind at ease knowing exactly what steps to take. Appreciate it!
Thank you for such a detailed and clear response! It puts my mind at ease knowing exactly what steps to take. Appreciate it!
Chloe
1 day ago
Thanks for the detailed answer! Really helpful to know simple changes like using specific oils and diet can make a difference. Feeling more hopeful now!
Thanks for the detailed answer! Really helpful to know simple changes like using specific oils and diet can make a difference. Feeling more hopeful now!