Yoga for Asthma. Which yog posture for Asthma patient.

 

Asthma is a common respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the narrowing and inflammation of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing. While there are various medications and treatments available for asthma, yoga has emerged as a complementary therapy that can help manage the symptoms and improve lung function. In this article, we will explore the benefits of yoga for asthma and some of the best poses to try.

Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote holistic health and well-being. It has been shown to have numerous benefits for respiratory health, including improving lung function, reducing inflammation, and increasing oxygen uptake. Additionally, yoga can help relieve stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for asthma attacks.

One of the primary benefits of yoga for asthma is strengthening the respiratory muscles. Certain yoga poses, such as the plank, downward-facing dog, and warrior poses, can help build strength in the chest, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles. This, in turn, can improve the efficiency of breathing and reduce breathlessness during physical activity.

Another benefit of yoga for asthma is its ability to improve lung capacity. Regular practice of deep breathing exercises, such as pranayama, can increase the amount of air that the lungs can hold and help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Pranayama also helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress, which can further decrease the likelihood of asthma triggers.

Additionally, yoga can help reduce inflammation in the airways. Chronic inflammation is a common feature of asthma, and it can lead to the narrowing of the airways, making breathing more difficult. Some studies suggest that yoga can help decrease the levels of inflammatory markers in the body, leading to reduced inflammation and improved respiratory function.

Now that we've discussed the benefits of yoga for asthma, let's take a look at some of the best poses to try:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Keep your spine long and your shoulders relaxed. Take deep breaths in and out through your nose, focusing on filling your lungs completely.

2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Start on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Lift your hips up and back, pressing your hands into the mat and lengthening through your spine. Hold for several deep breaths, then release.

3. Cat/Cow Pose (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana)

Start on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. As you inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (cow pose). As you exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin towards your chest (cat pose). Repeat several times, moving with your breath.

4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Lie on your stomach with your hands underneath your shoulders, elbows close to your sides. Inhale and lift your chest off the mat, keeping your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your sides. Hold for several deep breaths, then release.

5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press your feet into the mat and lift your hips up towards the ceiling, engaging your glutes and core muscles. Hold for several deep breaths, then release.

6. Child's Pose (Balasana)

Start on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Lower your hips back towards your heels and reach your arms forward, resting your forehead on the mat. Hold for several deep breaths, then release.

7. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

Lie on your back with your hips close to a wall. Lift your legs up against the wall, keeping them straight and your heels resting on the wall. Rest your arms by your sides and focus on deep breathing. Hold for several minutes, then release.

In conclusion, yoga can be an effective complementary therapy for managing asthma symptoms and improving lung function. Regular practice of yoga poses and breathing exercises can help strengthen respiratory muscles, increase lung capacity, decrease inflammation, and reduce stress and anxiety. If you have asthma, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or yoga routine. With their approval and guidance, incorporating yoga into your asthma management plan may improve your overall respiratory health and quality of life.