TO STUDY THE CONCEPT OF DĪPANA AND PĀCANA CHIKITSĀ IN TAMAKA SHVĀSA (BRONCHIAL ASTHMA)

Ayurveda emphasizes the correction of Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) as the foundation of all therapies. Tāmaka Śvāsa, a type of Śvāsa Roga described by Ācārya Charaka, is a chronic respiratory disorder closely resembling Bronchial Asthma in modern science. The pathology of Tāmaka Śvāsa primarily involves Kapha and Vāta doṣas, leading to obstruction of the Prāṇavaha Srotas and difficulty in breathing. The root cause of this condition lies in the impairment of Agni, which results in the formation of Āma—a toxic, undigested metabolic residue that aggravates Kapha and obstructs respiratory channels. Dīpana and Pācana Chikitsā aim to kindle the impaired Agni, digest Āma, and restore normal physiological functions. Drugs possessing Uṣṇa (hot), Tikṣṇa (sharp), Laghu (light), and Kaphaghna properties help in liquefying Kapha, clearing the channels, and facilitating easy respiration. Classical Ayurvedic formulations such as Trikaṭu Churna, Pippalī Rasāyana, and Śuṇṭhī are effective Dīpana-Pācana Dravyas commonly recommended in Tāmaka Śvāsa. The conceptual analysis of Dīpana-Pācana Chikitsā in Tāmaka Śvāsa reveals that management should begin with Agni Deepana and Āma Pācana to remove the basic pathogenesis, followed by Śamana or Śodhana as per the condition. Thus, Dīpana-Pācana therapy not only alleviates the symptoms but also prevents recurrence by correcting the underlying metabolic imbalance.