Asthma meaning “panting” in Greek language is basically a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Normally one suffers with wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. High pollens, increase air pollution are some of the common triggers that activate such attacks. Normally physician advice the use of anti histamine puffs, in some cases steroids and some cases anti inflammatory remedies.
Yoga and Asthma
How can this age old science help so called new industrial health issue like Asthma. Well the answer it yes Yoga can help a person achieve good result in long run. Here are three areas where Yoga can help an asthmatic individual
- Increase Lung Capacity
- Relax and calm down the muscles in the chest region which are normally sore
- Decrease the inflammation and relax the bronchial tree.
- Decrease the stress which has some co relation with the attack .
Asanas for Helping Asthma
1) Pranayama
Pranayama or Deep Breathing is one of the best exercise that can be suggested in Asthma. Normally during asthma attack on can have a constriction of the bronchial tree, such can lead to panting and shortness of breath. Deep breathing or Pranayama if done slowly during acute and also in chronic stages can help fresh oxygen to reach the lung and also relax the bronchial tree. ( Read How to Do Pranayama here )
2) Savasana or Corpse Pose :
If air pollution and pollens are physical triggers for an asthma attack, stress could be one of the mental reason from triggering asthma. Savasna or Corpse pose has defiantly proved its worth in helping reduce stress. Many yogis and researchers have showed that regular use of this asana can reduce blood pressure, stress and even calm down shallow breathing a sign of mental stress. (How to Do Corpse Pose?)
3) PavanMuktasana or Apanasana
According to Ayurveda much of the pathology of Asthma has to do with improper digestion and the build of gas or Vatta. A distinctive bloating can be seen in most of the clients facing asthma and hence this pose known as PavanaMuktasan or Apanasna is recommend. A pose that when done releases the gas and reduces bloating hence forward reducing the tension over the lungs.
4) Child Pose or Balasana :
Here is an asana that can work on both to increase one’s lungs capacity and also to relive the pressure from the abdomen. Regular practise of this pose can be beneficial especially in preventing further attacks of asthma rather than in acute condition. Although it has observed that one even get relief even in acute asthma attacks in this position. (Read How to Do Balasana here )
5)Tadasana or Mountain Pose
A simple pose like Tadasana is enough for all those who wish to increase their lung capacity. Done regularly the benefits of this pose are immense starting from increase oxygen flow to the lungs and heart, relaxation of muscles of the lungs are achieved in this pose, also one can increase their capacity to inhale oxygen to a new level. Try this and check it out .( Read more here on How to do Tadasana )
Well all the above yogic pose are just complimentary to the medication advised by the physician. After all understand that yoga is simply an lifestyle. It might be important to seek the help of a yogic teacher for good results for any help on health condition and yoga.
Posted by Sudeep
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