Yoga Therapy for Asthma
Monsoon season brings a host of air and waterborne diseases, and instances of asthma attacks are also on the rise. The rainy season increases mold and spore content, along with environmental pollutants that tend to trigger asthma attacks and symptoms. Despite the seasonal changes, yoga for asthma can offer respite in asthma care.
Yoga advocates that “Prevention is better than cure.” This is especially true with yoga for asthma care. All yoga techniques help prevent diseases and are useful in managing every kind of disorder or illness. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchioles (airways). Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Handy Tips:
Asthmatics should cover their heads and avoid direct breeze on the head region.
Dietary discipline is a must. Make it a habit to drink a glass of warm water after meals. This helps to keep the passage clear of mucus.
Systematic learning and practice of yoga for asthma patients, including asanas, proper breathing techniques, and simple kriyas, can be very helpful in naturally overcoming asthma symptoms. Here are some basic shat karmas, yoga asanas, and breathing techniques to counter asthma. Ensure you learn from an experienced yoga teacher for optimal benefits.
Shat Karmas
Ancient yogis used these techniques to improve their meditation. These important shat karmas play a vital role in body purification and have manifold, wondrous results. They are held in high esteem by eminent yogis.
JalaNeti – This is non-injurious, non-irritating, and absolutely simple. Beginners in yoga can practice this nasal douche without any misgivings and gain positive benefits. It's a handy yogic technique useful for irrigating nasal passages and sinus cavities, making them free of dirt, debris, potential disease agents (bacteria & viruses), and excess mucus.
Kapal Randhra Dhouti & Karna Randhra Dhouti – These handy yogic techniques are beneficial in asthma care. They are useful for irrigating all the cavities of the skull, making them free of pollutants, potential disease agents (bacteria & viruses), and excess mucus. The dust we inhale and the adulterated food and drinks we consume clog our biophysical mechanisms. The skull cavities suffer from dust accumulation, pollutants, and excess phlegm.
Pranayama Yoga
Pranayama yoga, especially for asthma patients, includes techniques that enhance respiratory function and calm the mind. Here are some beneficial pranayama exercises:
Anulom Vilom – This pranayama (breathing technique) is a powerful tool in asthma yoga therapy . It helps calm the mind and relieves the body of accumulated stress. This breathing technique has a healing effect on many respiratory and circulatory disorders.
Kapalbhati – Kapalbhati consists of two words: “Kapal” means skull (including all organs in and around the skull), and “Bhati” means shining or illuminating. This breathing exercise is mainly for cleansing the facial sinuses. It improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the entire face.
Yoga Asanas for Asthma
Regular practice of yoga asanas can significantly improve respiratory health. Here are some beneficial asanas for asthma yoga exercise:
Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
Sarvangasana
Halasana
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation is crucial for asthma patients. It helps reduce stress and promote better respiratory health.
Shavasana for Relaxation– Conscious relaxation for the mind, body, and spirit is essential.
Nispanda Bhava – When unable to sleep, asthmatics should try Nispanda Bhava. This encourages the tendency to let go and accept life and situations as they are.
People suffering from asthma or weeping lung disease often have pent-up anger and find it difficult to voice their frustrations. Make it a point to express your anger and issues at the correct time and in the right manner.
This monsoon season, take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy happy living and easy breathing with The Yoga Institute. Incorporating yoga for asthma, including asthma yoga exercise, into your daily routine can provide significant relief and promote overall well-being. With consistent practice, yoga for asthma patients can lead to long-term improvements in respiratory health. Embrace asthma yoga therapy to enhance your quality of life.
FAQ’s
1. Which Yoga Is Best for Asthma?
Gentle yoga practices like Hatha and restorative yoga are best for asthma, as they focus on breathing and relaxation.
2. Can Pranayama Cure Asthma?
Pranayama can help manage asthma symptoms by improving breathing patterns and lung capacity, but it is not a cure.
3. Can Yoga Improve Lung Function?
Yes, yoga can improve lung function by enhancing breath control, increasing lung capacity, and promoting overall respiratory health.
4. Is Yoga Good for Asthma?
Yes, yoga is beneficial for asthma as it helps with breath control, reduces stress, and can improve overall respiratory function.
5. Is Hot Yoga Good for Asthma?
Hot yoga is generally not recommended for asthma patients due to the heat potentially triggering symptoms; a milder form of yoga is preferred.
Check out the latest monsoon offerings we have at The Yoga Institute, Click here for details.