Some forms of physical activity are challenging for people who suffer from asthma, however, others such as yoga can bring relief to people who suffer from it.
Not all types of yoga or yoga poses are good for those with asthma but a slower pace yoga routine can help control asthma. Some yoga poses are relaxing and they can help people to be less stressed, not to mention that a gentle stretch is always good for the body.
Yoga can significantly improve lung function in people with asthma and I can also alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
If you have asthma and you want to practice yoga, start with some (or all) of these poses:
Savasana
Savasana is a great yoga pose for those who have asthma because it provides stress relief and it helps people to breath correctly.
How to do the pose: Lie on your back, place your hands by your side with the palms dropped down and facing up. Close your eyes, relax and breathe deeply.
Butterfly
The butterfly is another relaxing pose that can bring help people with asthma. The butterfly is also a gentle stretching pose that can improve flexibility.
How to do the pose: Start by sitting down and then bring your feet together on the ground with your knees dropped to the sides. Your legs should look like the wings of a butterfly. Hold your ankles with your hands and try to pull your heels to your hips. Inhale deeply and while exhaling fold your body forward. Hold the pose for three to five breaths and then release.
Standing Forward Bend
The forward bend is a pose that opens the lungs. This can lead to natural asthma relief.
How to do the pose: Start by standing up with your legs hip-width apart. Bend your knees a little bit and fold your body forward. Fold your arms and, with the opposite hand, hold your elbows. Hang there and try to relax. Keep the pose for three to five breaths and then gently remove your elbows and bring your body back to a normal standing position.
Bridge
The bridge is another great pose that opens up the lungs bringing relief to people who have asthma.
How to do the pose: The first step you have to do is to lie on your back. Keep your arms parallel to your body. Bend your knees and bring your feet towards your but until they are situated directly under your knees. Lift your but up toward the ceiling until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Press your shoulder blades together to expand your chest and breathe. Hold the pose for approximately one minute then gently come back to the floor. If you cannot reach the point where your thighs are parallel to the floor, keep practicing, your flexibility and strength will improve with time.
Supportive Fish
The supportive fish is a great pose for asthma relief because it improves the health of the bronchial tube.
How to do the pose: Roll two towels and place one under your mid-back while lying down and the other one under your neck. Extend your legs, keep your arms (with palms upwards) at a 45-degree angle from your hips and relax. Don’t forget to breathe!
Pranayama
To finish up your yoga for asthma relief routine, do the pranayama pose, a breathing pose that will allow you to relax completely.
How to do the pose: Sit down with your legs crossed. Make sure your spine, neck, and head are held in a straight line. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Alternate fast breaths with slow breaths. Practice for five minutes focusing on the breathing.
