Yoga for Asthma: 5 Effective Poses to Ease Breathing

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease of the respiratory system, which affects the lungs and the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. A person suffering from asthma has difficulty breathing due to the constriction of these airways. Inflammation and mucous in the airways (bronchi) can make the patient wheeze.The most common symptoms that can be seen in an asthma patients are coughing (especially after a long laugh or exercise), difficulty in breathing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing or whistling sound when breathing.Causes of Asthma:

Some of the causes of asthma include pollen, mites, food related allergies and environmental irritants like dust and smoke. In some cases, stress can be a trigger too. Not everybody gets asthma due to the same reasons and the triggers may be different for different people.

The fact that India contributes 10% to the total number of asthma patients globally is a cause of concern. It can affect people of any age group.

Some of the factors that may make you susceptible to asthma are:

• Genetic: If several of your family members suffer from Asthma then you too might be genetically pre-disposed to develop Asthma.
• If you are overweight
• If you are exposed to seasonal allergens like pollen.
• If you are a smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke.
• If you are allergic to certain foods or synthetic food additives like colours and preservative

There is no cure for asthma and the treatments revolve around reducing symptoms and the chances for a fresh asthma attack.

Foods for Asthma Patients

An asthma patient should try and switch from animal protein to plant protein and eat ginger and turmeric regularly. The patient should also avoid fried food, smoking, alcohol, cheese, food additives, processed foods and focus on an organic food diet. But that doesn't mean you can't live a normal life, you just need to be a little more cautious than the others. Have an optimistic approach and live your life to the fullest.

According to Dr. Pushpa of Saini Yoga and Meditation, an asthma patient should do steam inhalation every day, take half a tsp of cinnamon powder twice a day and avoid cold fruits like orange and banana.

Yoga for Asthma

Here are some yoga exercises suggested by her that will help asthma patients get relief from their asthmatic problems:

1. Bharastika

This yoga breathing paranayam is known as breath of fire. In this asana, both Inhalation and exhalation are forced. Bharastika comprises of exhaling and inhaling in order to provide complete oxygen to our body. This asana gives strength to lungs, helps in allergies, asthma, respiratory diseases, improves immune system and helps in common cold.

2. Anulom Vilom Pranayama

It is a breathing exercise which very easy to do and is very effective too. It helps in cases of stress and depression. It even improves the functioning of lungs. It is an efficient practice for asthma patients.

3. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama

This is also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing. This is the next level of Anulom Vilom pranayama. Nadis are the subtle energy channels in our body which tend to get blocked because of unhealthy lifestyle, stress and physical trauma. Shodhan means cleaning and unblocking the nadis. This asana helps you release tensions, stress and contributes in keeping the mind calmer.

4. Kapalbhati Pranayama

This asana is a breathing technique which helps in the improvement of respiratory system functioning.

5. Savasana

This is like a sleeping pose which helps in providing relaxation to the mind and body. It improves concentration, treats insomnia, improves mental health, and relaxes muscles.

There's nothing better than yoga to treat diseases painlessly or without any side effects.

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