admin Yoga is an incredible form of exercise for those who have asthma. Yoga is a low-impact, stress-relieving workout that is safe for people who have breathing difficulties. Yoga also incorporates many gentle stretches that open up the lungs and help expand lung capacity and function.
In my teens, I would get asthma from playing tennis vigorously. When I exercised intensely, I developed a persistent asthmatic response. I was suffering from bronchitis. The wheezing eventually stopped, but I remember how frightening it was to feel my lungs on fire.
Yoga is a great tool to relieve anxiety and stress. Stop, slow down, and focus on taking a full, deep breath when someone has breathing problems. With practice and slow, controlled movements and breathing, asthmatic patients can experience relief.
Here are my five favorite poses to help those with asthma or breathing problems.
Crescent Lunge
The crescent lunge is a great way to open the lungs and front body. This is a great way to stretch your entire front body, as well as open up hip flexors and psoas. Tight psoas interfere with deep breathing.
Step your right foot between your hands on all fours and lift your chest. If you feel the need, slide your left leg back further. You can also pad it. Your palms should be facing each other as you stretch your arms to the ceiling. Hold your breath for 5 to 8 full breaths. Repeat the same on the other side.
Bridge Pose
Bridges can be used to open up the lungs, stretch the chest and shoulders, and create more oxygen.
Start by lying flat on your back, with your feet on the mat and hip-width apart. Lift your hips and press into your feet. Open your chest by interlacing your hands underneath your back.
Hold your breath for 8 to 10 breaths.
Fish Pose
Fish Pose – This is a great posture for opening the chest, neck, upper body, and head.
Lay on your back and place your hands on your hips. You can lift your head by pressing into your elbows and resting the top of your head on the ground. Hold for 5 to 8 breaths.
Savasana
Savasana, the ultimate relaxation position, is a wonderful place to relax. Savasana is especially beneficial for those with asthma.
Lay on your back, palms up. Close your eyes, and relax your whole body. Stay between five and ten minutes.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Cross-legged or on any other seat that supports your spine, sit comfortably. Breathe in by pressing your thumb into your nostril. Close your left nostril with your index finger, and then breathe out the right side.
Continue breathing out through the left and inhaling from the right. Continue to alternate sides for 8 to 12 cycles. You will notice that it helps you to breathe through both sides.
The alternate nostril helps to slow down breathing, focus the mind, and calm the nervous system. The alternate nostril helps to expand our lung capacity and balance out the right and left nasal passages.
These postures can help you breathe more deeply and fully, whether you have asthma or not. Stress relief, as well as an opening of the upper and lower backs, shoulders, and chest, will be experienced.
