Which Are the Asanas Practiced to Relieve Asthma?

With increasingly artificial lifestyles and growing pollution, asthma cases are rising on a global scale, and it doesn’t spare adults or children either. It is a long-term condition of the lungs that causes the air passages to get inflamed and narrowed down, leading to tightening of the muscles around the small airways with consequent production of excessive mucus. This results in distressing symptoms such as wheezing, cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. 

When there is an exacerbation of asthma, it can interfere in day-to-day activities and may even lead to life-threatening situations. In a majority of cases, asthma can be easily managed with rescue inhalers such as salbutamol, or longer-acting, steroid inhalers that help in keeping inflammation down and the airways open. 

Aside from these medications, there are some more holistic ways that you can relieve asthma and open up of your airways. There are several yoga Asanas (poses) and Pranayamas that can be performed under the guidance of a yoga instructor to relieve asthma symptoms. Here’s a look at some of them:

Nadi Shodhan Pranayama – Begin yoga with this alternate nostril breathing technique as it has a healing effect on respiratory conditions. This pranayama also helps calm the mind and provides relief from accumulated stress. 

Kapal Bhati – This is another breathing asana that helps relax the mind and revitalize the nervous system. This breathing technique also clears all the energy channels (nadis) and improves circulation too.

Pavanamuktasana – Also known as the wind-relieving pose, this asana is good for those with asthma symptoms, as it affects the abdominal organs, leading to improved digestion and release of flatulence. 

Ardha Matsyendrasana – This is the sitting half spinal twist that opens up the chest, thereby improving supply of oxygen to the lungs and improved asthma status.

Setu Bandhasana – Known as the bridge asana, its useful to those affected by the symptoms of asthma. It helps open up the lungs, improves digestion and reduces thyroid problems too.

Adho Mukha Svanasana– This downward-facing dog pose or asana is useful for those suffering from asthma and sinusitis. It also helps relieve stress and calm the mind.

Bhujangasana – Also known as the cobra pose, this asana is highly recommended for asthmatics as it expands the chest, and improves blood circulation too.

Poorvottanasana – This upward plank pose not only strengthens back, spine, arms and wrists, but also improves the respiratory system and boosts the thyroid gland.

Badhakonasana – Also known as the butterfly pose, this asana not only has a therapeutic effect on asthma, but also relieves fatigue and improves circulation. 

Shavasana – You should ideally end your yoga practice with the corpse pose. Lie down for a few minutes and bring your mind and body into a meditative state, reducing anxiety and relaxing your body – keeping in mind that a relaxed mind and body are of great importance in tackling asthma. 

Practicing these asanas daily for 15-20 minutes will greatly improve your breathing and reduce chances of a full-blown asthma attack. In the long run, practice of these yoga postures might even help you get rid of this condition. Another way yoga helps is by calming down the mind, thus providing better outcomes for your asthma. These yoga asanas will provide improved control over asthma and also help you enjoy life better as you engage in all the activities that you love. 

However, do note that yoga is not a substitute for the medicines prescribed by your doctor. You should also note that it’s best to learn the practice of these asanas under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher.