Before discussing the different poses of Yoga for Asthma, Patients should first explain what causes asthma. Asthma is an acute respiratory condition caused by spasms that attack the bronchi of the lungs, causing breathing difficulty. As breathing is considered one of the most essential parts of Yoga, yoga breathing exercises provide the best relief for asthma patients who are always affected by an acute breathing problem.
As high power and costly medicines and injections weaken the body and its immune system, Yoga is hence considered the safest and most straightforward way to treat Asthma patients. There are many tips to cure asthma with Yoga, but today, I will discuss the top 10 and best yoga asanas to relieve asthma and provide ease of breathing. These are as follows:
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayam:
Start your day with this pranayama breathing technique, and you will instantly feel the calmness in your mind and the removal of body stress. It has excellent healing power for different circulatory and respiratory problems.
- Kapal Bhati Pranayam:
This breathing method energizes the nervous system and relaxes the mind. It also cleans all the energy channels (nadis) and enhances blood circulation.
- Sukhasana (Easy Pose):
It is one of the easiest sitting poses for meditation. Just sit down, keep your hands spread on your thighs, and start meditating. It is advised to practice in the early morning, but not necessarily with an empty stomach. Do the pose until you feel comfortable with it. Sukhasana regulates the breath and reduces stress. It relaxes the brain, broadens the chest, and makes you feel steady and reliable.
- Upavistha Konasana (seated wide-angle pose):
In this asana, you sit down on your buttocks and spread your legs as wide as possible. You practice it in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening with a 3- 4 hour gap from a previous meal. This asana stretches out the upper body, which results in the opening of the lungs and, hence, comfortable breathing.
- Ardha Matsyendrasana( Sitting half spinal twist):
This involves sitting down on the floor and twisting the spine sidewards. Do it in the morning and hold it for 30-60 seconds. It widens the chest, improving the oxygen supply to the lungs and decreasing the chances of an asthma attack.
- Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose):
When done correctly, this pose replicates a bridge. It helps widen and stretch your chest and lungs, cures thyroid problems, and also improves digestion.
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):
It is a very famous and essential pose for asthma patients. In this pose, the back is bent, and the body is stretched up, just like a cobra raising its hood to attack. It expands the chest and improves oxygen flow and blood circulation inside the body. Also, flexibility is improved.
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose):
This asana helps soothe the mind and relieve stress and discomfort. It improves breathing and heals sinusitis.
- Purvottanasana (Upward Plank pose):
It is a slightly tricky but highly effective pose for asthma treatment. It enhances the respiratory system, betters the thyroid glands, and helps strengthen the arms, wrists, spine, and back. It also controls the body’s hormones.
- Shavasana (Corpse Pose):
If you want your Yoga practice to end fruitfully, then finish it with savasana. It merely involves lying down straight on the floor for a few minutes and relaxing your body. It helps reduce pressure and anxiety and also rejuvenates the body with improved breathing.