How yoga helps to overcome the breathing problems like Asthma !

In recent times we have developed many new habits in our lifestyle and we have got so much used to them that it has almost become like an addiction and have made us dependent on them. Well, the point here is our lifestyle has changed so much that we need to consciously make an effort to take care of our health. Yoga is one such practice which is trusted to keep us healthy.

We might have heard so many good things about yoga on how it cures almost all the diseases. In this article, let us know how yoga can make us overcome breathing problems.

Breathing problems include the asthma, snoring, choked breath etc.

Here, we are concentrating on Asthma.

               

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. The primary symptoms are coughing, sneezing and inflamed nostrils. People who are suffering from asthma always experience some pain in their nostrils, mucus production and they can easily catch cold. The worst thing they experience is the difficulty in breathing as the airways are narrowed in their lungs which would result in wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe.

The Solution:

However so far there is no permanent cure for asthma, the below mentioned practices can help control the severity to a great extent. Follow the below mentioned points. Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, Upvas/Fasting.

Surya Namaskar is an asan/activity with 12 step postures which would help in proper circulation of blood and in turn making way for air to pass through the body.

Pranayama:

This is a process where we try to control and release the breath in a certain way so as to make the breathing easier and for a proper circulation of air through the lungs.

It is mainly a process where we uniform the inhalation and exhalation.

During respiration, we are required to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide completely.  Most of the breathing problems arise when we don’t do this properly.

A regular Pranayama practice allows you to take control of your breath. This would result in proper circulation of air to every cell of the body which results in the proper functioning of every organ which would help us overcome any type of breathing diseases.

Pranayama is based on a 4 part breathing cycle which focuses on:

·        1. Controlling the intake of air.

·        2.Controlling the retention of air within the lungs after an inhalation

·        3. Controlling the expelling of air from the lungs

·         4.Controlling the retention of empty lungs after an exhalation.

We will let you know more about pranyama and how to practice in coming articles.

As of now, let us know the simple ways of breathing exercises.

 

SuryaNamaskara

                                                                      Pranayama

Try the breathing techniques through yoga.

Technique 1:

1. Lie down on your back and relax your body.

2. Put one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen. Close your eyes.

3. Inhale deeply and as you inhale make sure that your abdomen rises up and not your chest. Most people breathe from their chest but here you must breathe from your abdomen. When you exhale and feel your abdomen going down. Repeat 10 - 15 times.

Technique 2:

The same exercise can also be done while sitting. Chronic asthma patients might feel some difficulty in doing the exercise lying down.

Technique 3:

1. Stand up straight and interlock your fingers and stretch your arms over your head.

2. Inhale and stretch and as you exhale bend to your side. Be very gentle make sure you don't twist your spine. Repeat it on the other side as well.

Finally,

Upavas or fasting:

Fast for at least one day in a week. If that is not possible, skip at least one meal, preferably dinner. Drink a lot of water. In one glass of warm water, mix the juice of half a piece of lemon and two spoons of honey and drink.

This would help you overcome breathing problems to a great level.