Yoga can have a beneficial effect on the symptoms and quality of life of people with asthma, but its consequences on lung function and the use of medications are uncertain. Yoga has gained global popularity as a form of exercise with overall benefits to the quality of life. Recent studies have investigated its potential to alleviate asthma-related problems.
Yoga is a practice that involves controlling breathing and body postures and helps to develop self-awareness and balance. This activity improves some symptoms of asthma and also the quality of life of the patients: the benefits do not stop there. According to a study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the practice can also help those who suffer from asthma attack. The team of scientists who lead the study came to this conclusion after examining 15 different cases using yoga to treat men and women with mild and moderate asthma. Scientists believe that the way yoga teaches people to breathe (Pranayamas) and stretching exercises decrease the chances of an asthma attack, relaxing the muscles of the airways and expanding the chest and relieving anxiety.
The practice of yoga is indeed one of the best solutions for breathing problems. Here is a list of some breathing techniques and yoga postures that will help you work against asthma attack more effectively:
1. Deep yoga breaths use our lungs at full capacity and help you breathe properly.
2. Pranayama Nadi Shodhan (This breathing technique is about alternate nostrils)
Start with this pranayama (Breathing technique) to calm your mind and relieve your body from accumulated stress. This breathing technique has a healing effect on many circulatory and breathing problems.
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3. Pranayama Kapal Bhati (Brilliant skull breathing technique)
This breathing technique calms the mind and energizes the nervous system. It also cleans all nadis (Energy channels) and improves blood circulation.
4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Half-torsion)
Seated spinal torsion opens the chest and improves oxygen supply to the lungs, thereby reducing the likelihood of asthma restricting it.
5. Pavanamuktasana (Knees to Chin)
This posture is beneficial for people with asthma as it massages the abdominal organs and helps in the digestion and release of gases.
6. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Posture)
The Bridge Posture opens the chest and lungs and reduces thyroid problems. It also improves digestion and is quite effective for patients with asthma.
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7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Posture)
The Cobra posture expands the chest, improves blood circulation and is highly recommended for people with asthma.
8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Dog stance looking down)
This posture helps you calm your mind, relieve stress and is beneficial for people with asthma and sinusitis.
9. Badhakonasana (Butterfly Posture)
The Butterfly posture stimulates and improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue and has a therapeutic effect on asthma.
10. Poorvottanasana (Inclined Plane Posture)
The Inclined Plane posture improves the respiratory system, stimulates the thyroid gland and also strengthens the wrists, arms, back and spine.
11. Shavasana (Corpse Posture)
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End your yoga practice by lying down for a few minutes in the corpse’s posture. This posture takes the body to a meditative state, rejuvenates and helps reduce pressure and anxiety. A calm and relaxed body and mind are essential to combat asthma attack.
A daily practice of yoga, for 15 minutes will greatly reduce your chances of suffering an asthma attack and may even help you get rid of this disease. A few minutes of meditation will also enhance your experience and help calm your mind. With powerful protection like yoga, you can take care of yourself and enjoy life to its fullest. Yoga allows you to expand your abilities and live life to the fullest potential. The practice of yoga helps develop your body and mind bringing many health benefits, but it is not a substitute for medicine.
