Yogasana is a superb combination of physical stances paired with repetitive breathing movements that are intended to unite the body, mind, and soul. According to yogic scriptures, ‘breath’ is also known as ‘prana’, the driving force of life, one that helps keep one alive. Breathing in a precise way is significant in the case of any form of yoga, since if not done properly, the air may get stuck in the body channels and exude immense pain and body ache. Additionally, several scientific studies have depicted that repetitive breathing movements during yoga can very well manage the symptoms of asthma as it helps in reducing stress, one of the primary triggers of asthma.

Also Read: Lung Problems: 5 Incredible Yogasanas To Ease Breathing Difficulties

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory, respiratory condition in which the air passages get constricted, and swollen and tend to produce excessive catarrh particles leading to difficulty in breathing, and triggering severe wheezing and coughing. 

Also Read: Simple Breathing Exercises For Asthma Relief

Undoubtedly, breathing and yoga go hand in hand, and hence if there is a problem involving your breath, yoga can surely help remedy it. If you are afflicted with asthma, you are fully aware of the trauma of constantly fighting for breath, wheezing and coughing, which makes it extremely hard to carry out even the simplest routine tasks. From pollen particles, dust, getting up the stairs to performing exercises, anything can trigger coughing and breathlessness leaving a person gasping for air and wheezing for a long time. While there is no absolute way to cure the disease from the roots, it is surely possible to manage the associated symptoms and prevent the triggers. Medications are surely necessary for sudden episodes of asthma, but so do some significant tweaks in your lifestyle in the form of Yoga. Including yoga in your routine can be an extremely effective way to manage the symptoms of asthma and keep the lungs healthy. 

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Without further ado, here are 5 curative yoga poses all asthmatics must try to mitigate the symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing.

Restorative Yogasanas For Asthma Patients

Sukhasana (Cross-legged Sitting Pose):

Sit calmly in a meditation pose with your back straight. Place one shin on top of the other while keeping each foot under the opposite knee. While breathing in, pull your shoulders up to your ears and while breathing out bring your shoulders down. Keep your head and pelvis in a straight line, creating one long line of energy running down your vertebral column. Keep your hands free on your knees with palms open or closed or fingers placed in a Hastha mudra position.

Benefits:

Sukhasana is pivotal in the case of breathing troubles. It stimulates the blood flow to the lungs and also eliminates harmful toxins from the alveolar muscles. This asana not only cures respiratory disorders and cough and cold symptoms but also reduces stress and anxiety.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

Lie down on the yoga mat with your stomach and forehead touching the ground. Place both your hands on either side of your ears. Gradually, put pressure on your palms and lift your body from the torso while giving a good stretch to your back and belly muscles. Straighten out your arms and keep your shoulder pressed against your back. Look above at the ceiling and be in this stance for about 15-30 seconds. Breathe out and return to the starting position.

Benefits:

The cobra poses not only promotes mental calmness but also fortify the mind and help stretch out the muscles of the chest and lungs. It also helps in remedying sciatica, cures allergic symptoms and delivers relief from asthmatic symptoms.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist):

Sit straight with your legs stretched out and feet side-by-side to each other. Curve your left leg and place the heel of your left foot beside your right hip. Now, take the right foot over your right knee. Place your left hand on your right foot and your right hand behind you. Turn your waist, shoulders, and neck to the right side and look over the right shoulder. Hold the position and continue breathing in and out normally. Slowly come back to the starting position and similarly repeat the pose on the left side.

Benefits:

This asana plays a significant role in providing relief from breathing difficulties, stress, and tension. The twisting of the upper body stimulates deep breathing and thus promotes the muscles of the lung to oxygenate blood efficiently. It also helps in fortifying the immune system and mitigating back pain and stiffness.

Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

Lie down flat on the ground in the Shavasana pose. While inhaling, bring both your knees close to the chest. Wrap your arms around your legs while trying to bring your nose as close to the knees as possible. Be in this posture and breathe normally for 30 seconds. Then while exhaling, come back to the Shavasana pose and relax.

Benefits:

This pose is beneficial for people suffering from asthma as it massages the abdominal organs and eases digestion and release of trapped gas from the alimentary canal. It also relieves fatigue and has a therapeutic impact on asthma.

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Start the posture by lying flat in the Corpse Pose. Now bend your knees by placing your feet flat on the floor close to the hips. Now rest both your hands firmly on either side of the body. While balancing your weight on both your hands and leg, slowly try to curve and lift your body into the air. Be in this arching posture for 20-30 secs and slowly breathe out and bring your body back in the Shavasana Pose.

Benefits:

The Bridge Pose firmly opens up the chest and lungs and remedies thyroid problems. It also boosts digestion and clears congestion from the respiratory tract, thus easing breathing in asthma patients.