Your office colleagues are organizing a football match and want you to be a part of it. It sounds like an exciting prospect, but you decline and support them from the stands.
You may have let similar situations cross your paths so many times in the past and simply let them pass. What is it that holds you back? Is the fear of another asthma attack stopping you from playing your favourite game or enjoying your life to the fullest?
To this point, you’ve probably tried a lot of things to tackle asthma better. But have you considered one of the simplest and promisingly effective solutions out there – Yoga? This age-old science is capable of helping reduce the effects of asthma, and in some cases, cure it completely.
Yoga Asanas for Asthama
Here’s a list of yoga asanas for ashtma & some pranayamas to help you counter asthma more effectively:
- Nadi Shodhan pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing technique)
- Kapal Bhati
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)
- Pavanamuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
- Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose)
- Poorvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)
- Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
1. Nadi Shodhan pranayama
Begin with Nadi Shodhan pranayama to calm your mind and relieving the body of accumulated stress. This breathing technique has a healing effect on many respiratory and circulatory problems.
2. Kapal Bhati
Kapalbhati is a breathing technique relaxes the mind and energizes the nervous system. It also clears all the nadis (energy channels) and improves blood circulation.
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana
The Sitting Half Spinal Twist opens the chest and improves the supply of oxygen to the lungs, thereby reducing the probability of asthma restricting you.
Read more about Ardha Matsyendrasana.
4. Pawanamuktasana
Pawanmuktasana pose is good for people with asthma as it massages the abdominal organs and helps in digestion and release of gas.
5. Setu Bandhasana
The Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) opens up the chest and lungs and reduces thyroid problem. It also improves digestion and is very useful for asthma patients.
6. Bhujangasana
The Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) expands the chest, improves blood circulation and is highly recommended for people with asthma.
7. Adho Mukha Svanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana calms the mind and relieves stress and is suitable for people suffering from asthma and sinusitis.
8. Badhakonasana
The Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose) stimulates and improves the blood circulation, relieves fatigue, and has a therapeutic effect on asthma.
9. Poorvottanasana
The Poorvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose) improves the respiratory system, stimulates the thyroid gland, and also strengthens wrists, arms, back, and spine.
10. Shavasana
End your yoga practice by lying down for a few minutes in the Shavasana (Corpse Pose). This asana brings the body in a meditative state, rejuvenates you, and also helps reduce anxiety and pressure. A calm and relaxed body and mindset are of essence to tackle asthma.
A daily practice of these postures for asthma and breathing techniques for 15-20 minutes will considerably reduce your chances of an asthma attack and may even help you get rid of it. A few minutes spent meditating will also enhance your experience and help calm your mind. You can experience the benefits of yoga and meditation at the Happiness Program.
Your control over asthma will let you choose how much you enjoy your life. With a strong shield-like yoga, you can experience life in its totality and be carefree. Yoga enables you to expand your capabilities and live life to its fullest.
