Yogic Exercises for Asthma cure

Yoga is a system which involves Asanas (body postures) and Pranayama (art of breath control). It is widely practiced to reduce stress related conditions, treat circulatory and respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis, and improve over-all health.

Asthma is a very common respiratory complaint, which involves a narrowing of the bronchial tubes (bronchi). This constriction disturbs the normal ratio of inspiration and expiration. Because of the congestion of the blood vessels of the bronchial lining, expiration becomes difficult.

This disease affects the young, old and even children. The most disheartening aspect of asthma is that it does not get completely cured through medicines, but yes it can be controlled to a large extent by following certain simple yogic exercises.
Why is yoga so popular for treating chronic diseases like asthma?

* Yoga tries to cure asthma by cleansing the lungs of mucus, and making the patient emotionally strong so as to not react to stressful situations.

* As the disease is primarily of the respiratory system, pranayam and yogic exercises are selected so as to restore the health of lungs and the respiratory system.

* The postures followed remove the mucus from the lungs, and relax the lung muscles.

* Yoga also teaches correct breathing techniques which is essential to keep the lungs free of mucus.

What are the different yogic postures (asanas) followed for asthma?

Yoga exercises include various poses (asanas), breathing, and relaxation techniques which in cohesion puts one in control of his mind and emotions, making him more relaxed and allowing to breathe easily. This helps lungs work better and enhance airflow during asthma attacks.

* Back bending postures open the chest improving both lung and heart functioning.

* Upper back bends and chest opening postures are useful, if on finds it hard to exhale during asthma attacks.

* Practice forward bends and lower back bending poses if it is difficult to inhale.

* Inverted postures drain out excess mucus from the lungs and balance the immune system.

A general yoga practice reduces stress, physical tension, and muscle tightness and increases overall feelings of well being by activating the nervous system.

Some specific yogic exercises to be followed if suffering from asthma –

Tadasan or palm tree pose:

This helps strengthen bronchioles and lungs; as well as build up muscles of the chest.

Ustrasan or the camel pose:

This posture activates facial tissues, the nasal passage, pharynx & the lungs.

Simhasan or the lion pose:

This cures throat trouble, tonsillitis, activates the larynx, trachea and bronchioles. It also invigorates the thyroid cartilages.
Sarvangasan or shoulder stand:

This asana corrects any disorder of the circulatory system.

Matsyasan or the fish pose:

This corrects the disorders of the respiratory system as well as all organs concerned with respiration such as the nasal passage, the pharynx, the larynx.

Sukhasana:

This is a meditative pose and is usually performed after doing the Corpse Pose or sarvasana. This exercise helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping the mind relaxed.

Surya Namaskar or Sun salutation:

This is a yoga pose which prepares the whole body for the yoga asanas. It is a sequence of twelve Yoga positions performed as one continuous exercise.

Ekpada Uttan Asana - helps in activating the bronchial lining .

Padmasan or the lotus pose:

This relaxes the body; the appropriate asana for pranayam.

Ardha Matsyendrasena or half spinal twist:

The half spinal twist lengthens and strengthens the spine. It is also beneficial for liver, kidney, as well as adrenal glands.

Anuloma Viloma:

This is also called the alternate nostril breathing technique. In this breathing technique, one inhales through one nostril, retains the breath, and exhales through the other nostril.

Relaxation pose:

There are three parts to proper relaxation - physical, mental and spiritual relaxation. Relaxation yoga pose relaxes the body and mind, and makes one feel refreshed after doing the asanas and the pranayama. This is why it is an essential part of yoga practice.

Savasana or the corpse pose:

The Corpse yoga pose is practiced before or in between Asanas as well as a final relaxation. It removes fatigue and quietens the mind.

According to Yoga philosophy, a calm mind produces regular breathing and a relaxed body. So, yogic exercises definitely help people with asthma and bronchitis.

What is Bhastrika pranayama? How is it helpful in case of asthma?

Bhastrika pranayama is a very effective breathing exercise of pranayama to control asthma symptoms. Sit comfortably but erect in a meditative posture. Keep the left hand on the left knee in Gyan Mudra.

Fold the index and the middle fingers of the right hand to touch the palm. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Exhale through the left nostril and immediately inhale forcefully. Quickly open the right nostril by closing the left nostril and repeat the procedure. Keep repeating this pattern quickly gradually increasing the speed of inhalation and exhalation. Simultaneously contract and expand the abdominal muscles and slowly return to the initial speed.
What are its advantages?

* Very good for the respiratory system including the diaphragm and the bronchial tubes.

Improves function of digestive organs.

[Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com]

Yogic exercises for asthma treatment and different yogic postures (asanas) that should be followed for asthma treatment

Read out Asthma attack . Also check out for asthma treatment and asthma home remedies

If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.