Asthma is one of the chronic lung diseases that cause inflammation and narrows the airways. It is because of the spastic narrowing of the bronchioles’ smooth muscles. This obstructs the bronchioles, thereby leading to a repetitive period of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, along with chest tightness.
Although the prevalence and occurrence of Asthma are not easy to access with certainty, it is estimated that about 5% of the adult and 7-10% of children have this disorder.
Yoga appeared first some 5000 years ago, and since then, it has evolved into a modern form. Yoga means union or link together.
Various studies have proved that yoga is essential for improving asthmatic symptoms and those suffering from hypertension. Hath yoga is a type of yoga that utilizes the breath for linking several parts of the body and mind. It also allows us to behave as one functional unit that assists in controlling Asthma.
Yoga therapy for Asthma brings a good improvement in both severity and the duration of attacks. It decreases the total attacks per week and also the use of medicines.
Because bronchial Asthma is one of the critical reasons for mortality. In areas where there is a lack of resources there, long-term use of drugs is expensive. Therefore, it is always a wise decision to think of some alternative treatment method.
Research should be done to know the peak expiratory flow, drug use for Asthma before and after yoga practice.
Some of the causes of Asthma are
Some of the common causes of Asthma are pollen, food-related allergies and other environmental irritants such as dust and smoke. Asthma is not the same for everyone, and the triggers might be different for different people. It can affect people of all ages.
Some of the common factors are
- Genetic: if some of your family members have had Asthma, then there is a high chance that you too will develop Asthma.
- When you are overweight.
- When you are exposed to some of the seasonal allergies like pollen.
- If you are a smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke.
- If you have allergies to some of the food.
There is no permanent cure for Asthma, and all those treatments involve decreasing symptoms and the chance for attacks.
Now let’s know if it is possible to alleviate asthma symptoms with yoga?
Yes, there few yoga poses that can help in decreasing the yoga symptoms. But it is often recommended to keep your rescue inhaler nearby. Try doing yoga slowly and very gently. If you have Asthma and are trying yoga for the first time, check with your doctor first. They can get better advice on how to do yoga safely.
A person who has Asthma must try and change from animal protein to plant protein. IT is also good to eat ginger and turmeric regularly. One should also avoid fried food, alcohol. Cheese, food additives and other processed foods and instead focus on a diet of organic food.
That doesn’t mean that you cannot live everyday life, but you need to be more cautious than others. Always try to keep an optimistic approach and live life to the fullest.
Here are a few yoga poses that one can try to get relief from Asthma:
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Anulom Vilom:
Anulom Vilom is one of the breathing exercises that are very easy to do and quite efficient. It assists in releasing stress as well as depression. It also improves lung functioning and one of the effective practices for all asthma patients.
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Nadi Shodhan:
It is also called Alternate nostril breathing. This is the next level of Anulom Vilom pranayama. Nadis are the elusive energy channels on the human body, which becomes blocked for many reasons like an unhealthy lifestyle, physical trauma and stress. Shodhan means clearing and unblocking Nadis. This asana assists you in releasing tensions and helps in keeping the mind calm.
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Kapalbhati Pranayama:
This asana is also a breathing technique that improves the respiratory system’s functioning.
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Savasana:
This is one of the sleeping poses that offers relaxation to both minds and bodies. It helps in enhancing concentration, treats insomnia, improves mental health and also relaxes your muscles.
Although medicines can offer you instant relief, the temporary help treats Asthma slowly but permanently. The whole method is painless and without any side effects.
Daily practicing these poses and breathing techniques for about 15-20 minutes helps decrease asthma attacks. It also helps you in getting rid of it.
When a few minutes you spend on meditation, it allows you to calm your mind. You can experience the yoga benefits for Asthma at any right Yoga school in Rishikesh.
When you get control over Asthma, it lets you choose how much you can enjoy your life. Yoga acts as a shield. You can experience life to the fullest and remain carefree. Yoga helps you to expand all of your capabilities.
Practice yoga daily to assist your body and mind to develop. But keep in mind that it is not a substitute for medicine. It is highly essential to learn and practice yoga under the proper supervision of a good yoga teacher with a minimum of 200 Hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. If you have any medical condition, it’s better to practice yoga after proper consultation with a doctor.
