PSYCHOSOMATIC DIMENSIONS OF TAMAKA SHWASA: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF MANAS IN BRONCHIAL ASTHMA – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background: Tamaka Shwasa is described under Shwasa Roga which closely resembles Bronchial Asthma. While its somatic pathology involving Vata–Kapha vitiation is well documented, the psychosomatic dimension, particularly the influence of Manas (mind), remains underexplored. Contemporary research also recognizes stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers as major precipitating factors in asthma. Objective: To explore the psychosomatic dimensions of Tamaka Shwasa with special emphasis on the role of Manas and its correlation with stress-mediated mechanisms in Bronchial Asthma. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and contemporary biomedical literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Discussion: Ayurveda considers the inseparable relationship between Sharira and Manas. Emotional factors such as Chinta (worry), Bhaya (fear), Krodha (anger), and Raja–Tama predominance aggravate Vata and Kapha, precipitating Tamaka Shwasa. Modern psychoneuroimmunology explains similar pathways via stress-induced autonomic imbalance, HPA axis activation, inflammatory cytokines, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Conclusion: Tamaka Shwasa can be interpreted as a psychosomatic disorder wherein Manas plays a pivotal role in initiation, exacerbation, and chronicity. Integrative management incorporating Satvavajaya Chikitsa, stress reduction, and conventional therapy may improve clinical outcomes.