Shortness of breath - #3500
Sometimes I feel less oxygen supply in my lungs. Sometimes the left side of my chest also have little pain. My body is very skinny
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In Ayurveda, the symptoms you’re describing, such as feeling a lack of oxygen in your lungs and occasional chest pain, could be related to an imbalance in the Vata and Prana Vayu (the life force energy responsible for breath and movement in the body). These issues may arise from a weakened digestive system, stress, or insufficient nourishment, which can affect the body’s ability to properly absorb and circulate oxygen. The feeling of being “skinny” may indicate a deficiency in both Ojas (the vital essence of life and immunity) and Dhatus (tissues), which are crucial for maintaining body mass and overall strength.
To address these issues, it would be important to focus on nourishing and strengthening the body. A diet rich in easily digestible, warm, and grounding foods like cooked vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (such as ghee and sesame oil) will help build strength and support lung function. Incorporating herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Licorice can help strengthen the respiratory system and improve oxygenation. Regular breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and deep diaphragmatic breathing can help enhance lung capacity and oxygen intake. Additionally, focusing on building the body’s strength through a balanced regimen of exercise and proper rest can help improve your overall vitality and reduce stress. If the chest pain persists, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.
Alright, let’s get into this. When you’re feeling that kind of breathlessness, it’s something we gotta pay attention to. I mean, it could be linked to a few factors from an Ayurvedic standpoint – could be Vata imbalance, which makes sense since you’re skinny, right? Vata types often have this lightness about 'em, and it can sometimes lead to less stability in the body, affecting areas like the chest and respiratory system.
Firstly, with Vata, you wanna really focus on grounding yourself. Start by incorporating warm, nourishing foods into your diet - think about meals that are easy on the stomach. Soups, cooked veggies, whole grains… add some ghee in there for good measure.
Here’s the thing, your breathing - try to engage in some Pranayama. Like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), spend 5-10 minutes daily on it. It’ll help balance the breath and calm the mind, which is key here.
When it comes to that chest tension, a gentle self-massage might do the trick. Use sesame oil, it’s warming and soothing for Vata. Rub it over your chest in soft, circular motions before you shower or before bed.
Oh, and sleep. If you’re not getting enough, that’s gonna mess with everything. Aim for a consistent sleep routine, maybe consider some warm milk with nutmeg at night to help with relaxation.
But - and this is crucial - since you’ve mentioned chest pain, don’t shrug it off. You should see a doctor for a thorough check-up. Chest pain isn’t one of those symptoms you gamble with, alright? You need the all-clear from a medical perspective.
Be good to yourself, listen to your body, and I hope you find some relief soon. Make these small tweaks, but don’t hesitate to seek professional help when things feel off. Your health’s not something to just wing it with.

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