Overpowering Asthma with yoga

Your office colleagues have organized a football match and want you to be a part of it. It sounds like an interesting prospect but you decline to join them and instead support them from the stands. Similar situations have crossed your paths so many times and every time you've passed them. What is it that holds you back? Is the fear of another asthma attack stopping you from playing your favorite game or enjoying your life to the fullest? Shouldn't you be the one who dictates the terms of your life rather than your ailment?

To this point, you've probably tried a lot of things to tackle asthma better. But have you considered one of the simplest and promisingly effective solutions out there - YOGA? Yes, the ancient art of yoga is indeed one of the best solutions to your breathing problem. A couple of hours spent learning yoga at a local Sri Sri Yoga course will equip you with postures that help reduce the effects of asthma and may even help cure it permanently.

Yoga for Asthma - Learn Asanas and Pranayama helpful to overcome asthma

Here's a list of few basic breathing techniques and yoga postures to help you counter asthma more effectively:

Yogic Breaths Pranayama
Nadi Shodhan pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing technique)
Kapal Bhati pranayama (Skull shining breathing technique)
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist)
Pavanamuktasana (Wind relieving pose)
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)
Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)
Badhakonasana (Butterfly pose)
Poorvottanasana (Upward plank pose)
Shavasana (Corpse pose)

1. Deep yogic breaths use our lungs to its maximum capacity and also help us to learn breathing correctly.

2. Nadi Shodhan pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing technique)

Begin with this pranayama (breathing technique) to calm your mind and relieving the body of accumulated stress. This breathing technique has a healing effect on many respiratory and circulatory problems.

3. Kapal Bhati pranayama (Skull shining breathing technique)

This breathing technique relaxes the mind and energizes the nervous system. It also clears all the nadis (energy channels) and improves blood circulation.

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist)

The Sitting half spinal twist opens the chest and improves the supply of oxygen to the lungs, thereby reducing the probability of asthma restricting you.

5. Pavanamuktasana (Wind relieving pose)

This pose is good for people with asthma as it massages the abdominal organs and helps in digestion and release of gas.

6. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)

The Bridge pose opens up the chest, lungs and reduces thyroid problem. It also improves digestion and is very effective for asthma patients.

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

The Cobra pose expands the chest, improves blood circulation and is highly recommended for people with asthma.

8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)

This pose helps in calming the mind, relieves stress and is good for people suffering from asthma and sinusitis.

9. Badhakonasana (Butterfly pose)

The Butterfly pose stimulates and improves the blood circulation, relieves fatigue and has therapeutic effect on asthma.

10. Poorvottanasana (Upward plank pose)

The Upward plank pose improves the respiratory system, stimulates the thyroid gland and also strengthens wrists, arms, back and spine.

11. Shavasana (Corpse pose)

End your yoga practice by lying down for a few minutes in the Corpse pose. This pose brings the body in a meditative state, rejuvenates you and also helps reduce anxiety and pressure. A calm and relaxed body and mindset is of essence to tackle asthma.

A daily practice of these postures for 15 - 20 minutes will considerably reduce your chances of an asthma attack and may even help you get rid of it. A few minutes spent meditating will also enhance your experience and help calm your mind. You can experience the benefits of yoga and meditation during The Art of Living Happiness Program.

Hanita, 32, had asthma by birth and was under a lot of restrictions while growing up. She could not play like other children of her age and was usually left out of many activities. She would have difficulty breathing and even have asthma attacks with just a bit of exertion. Her life changed after she started practicing yoga 5 years ago. Today, Hanita spends half an hour everyday practicing yoga and goes swimming, hiking and cycling without any fear of an asthma attack.

Your control over asthma will let you choose how much you enjoy your life. With a potent shield like yoga, you can experience life in its totality and be carefree. Yoga lets you expand your capabilities and live life to its fullest.

Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@srisriyoga.in