Asthma is a chronic condition wherein the airways in the lungs become narrower than usual which can lead to breathing difficulties. This disease attacks the lungs. It attacks can be experienced in mild to severe degrees and sometimes these attacks can so intense that may even require immediate medical attention.
Asthma medication can be taken by breathing them from inhalers. These inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs. Apart from that, there are some breathing exercises that can help you to alleviate asthma symptoms. Through yoga and some deep breathing practices, you can naturally strengthen your respiratory muscles and ease your breathing. Continue reading to explore some ways that can help you to effectively manage asthma.
Nasal Breathing Exercise
This exercise involves simply breathing through your nose. This is the easiest exercise for asthma patients. Nasal breathing improves lung function and enhances the strength of respiratory muscles. Moreover, it eases the breathing process by eliminating discomfort as it increases the humidity and warmth of the air.
Directions: First sit comfortably in a crossed-legged position. Next begin the exercise by inhaling from one nostril and exhaling from the other by covering the previous nostril (the one from which you inhaled) with your fingers. Finally, continue this cycle of exercise for up to 5 minutes.
Yoga Breathing Exercise
Practicing yoga regularly can alleviate asthma to a great extent. Incorporating different yoga postures, especially those involving deep breathing exercises improves the symptoms of asthma and revitalizes lung functioning.
Cobra Pose
Cobra pose is also known as Bhujangasana which is one the most beneficial exercises for asthma patients. Finally, it expands the chest area and opens up your lungs which helps to clear the airways. Moreover, it improves blood circulation and boosts the oxygen content in your blood, thereby alleviating asthma symptoms and easing breathing.
Directions: First begin by lying down on your stomach with your palms placed beside your ribs. With inhaling, start by pressing the floor lightly with your hands, lift your chest and head and roll your shoulders back. Next give a nice stretch to your belly, lengthen your spine, do not lock the elbows, and keep them straight. And then stay in the position for a few seconds and return to the relaxing position while exhaling. Finally, try to hold the pose for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise 5 times.
Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose is a back-bending yoga posture that opens your chest and increases deep breathing. It helps to balance your body by expanding your lungs and easing the symptoms of asthma.
Directions: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place your legs and feet parallel and your hip distance apart. Bring your feet closers to the buttocks. Now inhale and lift your hip by raising your pelvic bone. Now your hands together and clasp them on the floor. Broaden your chest and lift your buttocks and thighs even more. Stay in that position for a few seconds and then release your hands and come back to the relaxing position while exhaling.
Precautions: Individuals with neck injuries must avoid this exercise. It is better to perform this exercise under the supervision of an expert.
Sukasana
Sukasana exercise involves an easy yoga pose that requires simple breathing which improves asthma symptoms. This yoga pose is an excellent practice that ensures complete relaxation and alleviates breathing troubles.
Directions: Begin this exercise by simply sitting cross-legged on the floor. Place your right hand on your chest and your left hand on the belly. Now close your eyes, draw the stomach in and lift your chest. Breathe slowly and deeply. Stay in this position for 5 minutes.
Seated Spiral Twist
Seated Spiral Twist practice helps you to open your chest and accommodate more oxygen in your lungs. It alleviates the symptoms of asthma and reduces the chances of asthma attacks. This pose targets your respiratory muscles, torso, and back. It releases muscle tension and increases relaxation.
Directions: First sit on the floor and place the palm of your right hand on the floor. And then now slowly bring your left hand to the right knee and place it there. Next begin to lengthen your spine by gently twisting your torso while you move. And then now gently look over your right shoulder. Continue to inhale and exhale. Feel your spine lengthening and relaxing while you breathe in and breathe out. Finally, hold the position for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.
Savasana
Savasana is also known as the Corpse pose as it requires you to lie down in an immobile state. Further, this exercise helps with the complete relaxation of your mind and body. It increases your concentration power, eliminates stress, and regulates better sleep. Finally, this exercise manages your stress and relieves respiratory disorders like asthma.
Direction: All you need to do is lie on your back with your hand placed at your sides with palms facing upwards. Next focus on your breathing. Finally, stay in this position for 5 to 10 minutes.
Forward Bend
Forward Bend yoga pose helps to stretch your upper body by opening up your chest and inflating your lungs. Moreover, it helps you to relieve the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing problems.
Directions: First start by standing by placing your legs hip-width apart. And then now slowly bend your upper body forward by bending your knees slightly to avoid strains. Try reaching the ground and touching your feet with your hands. Finally, hold this position for five deep breaths and come back to the normal position.
Side Bend
Side Bend is an excellent yoga pose that opens the side of your body and expands your lungs. Finally, it fills your lungs with abundant oxygen and eases asthma symptoms.
Directions: First begin by standing your legs hip-width apart. Gently place your right hand behind your right foot. Second raise your left hand over your head as you slowly bend to your right. Third look up at your left hand. And then breathe slowly while your hold the position for a couple of seconds and then come back and repeat on the other side.