Before that, let’s find out how yoga works to cure asthma.
Yoga For Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease involving the airways or the bronchial tubes. The airways are swollen in an asthma patient, and get inflamed further when triggered by symptoms, narrowing them and making it difficult for the person to breathe. The ancient Egyptians recognized this problem and gave it its name. The problem significantly increased from the 1960s and now accounts for 397,100 deaths globally. Exercise offers natural relief for asthma patients, but the intense physical movements can be challenging. On the other hand, yoga is slow and soothing, combined with deep breaths, which greatly help the patient’s asthmatic condition. The causes of asthma may be genetic, bacterial, certain medications, or environmental. Whatever the reason may be, yoga acts as a shield for asthmatic patients and helps you gain control over it. So, without further ado, check out the following Baba Ramdev yoga asanas for asthma patients.
Baba Ramdev Yoga For Asthma – 7 Best Asanas
1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
Sukhasana or the Easy Pose is a simple seated pose that is also one of the easiest poses to sit down in meditation. In many Asian countries, Sukhasana is a natural way of sitting down and also assumed while having meals. For best results, practice Sukhasana in the morning, not necessarily on an empty stomach. The Easy Pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold the pose as long as you are comfortable sitting in it. You should preferably sit on a light cushion or a folded yoga blanket.
Sukhasana For Treating Asthma
Sukhasana focuses on your breath and controls stress. It broadens your chest, relaxes your brain, and makes you strong and steady. The pose gives you a sense of calm and peace and helps you avoid circumstances that trigger asthma attacks due to tension and stress.
2. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose)
Upavistha Konasana or the Seated Wide Angle Pose involves sitting down on your buttocks and spreading your legs apart as wide as possible. Practice the pose in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from the last meal. Upavistha Konasana is an intermediate level Hatha yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.
Upavistha Konasana For Treating Asthma
In this pose, holding the lower limbs sideways activates the upper torso and makes it more erect, and it automatically assumes a more controlled position. This opens up the lungs and causes the alveolus to expand, trapping oxygen molecules more easily, which betters breathing. It also calms the brain and de-stresses your mind. The pose improves the body’s flexibility and, as a whole, is ideal to prevent an asthma attack.
To know more about Upavistha Konasana and how to do it, click here: Upavistha Konasana
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)
Ardha Matsyendrasana or the Sitting Half Spinal Twist is an asana where you sit down and twist your spine sidewards. Practice the Ardha Matsyendrasana in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. The pose is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.
Ardha Matsyendrasana For Treating Asthma
Ardha Matsyendrasana stretches your posterior as well as anterior chest and opens it up, thereby paving the way for more oxygen to enter your lungs and improving their oxygen capacity. However, make sure the diaphragm is not locked. This function of the pose reduces the possibility of an asthma attack.
To know more about Ardha Matsyendrasana and how to do it, click here: Ardha Matsyendrasana
4. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Sethu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose looks like a bridge when assumed. It works best when practiced in the morning on an empty stomach. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.
Sethu Bandhasana For Treating Asthma
Sethu Bandhasana is very effective for asthma patients. It keeps your body balanced by opening up your chest and lungs, keeping a check on your thyroid gland, and improving digestion.
To know more about Sukhasana and how to do it, click here: Sethu Bandhasana
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose is an energizing backbend that resembles the raised hood of a cobra. Practice Bhujangasana in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. The pose is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.
Bhujangasana For Treating Asthma
Bhujangasana eases the symptoms of asthma. It improves oxygen and blood circulation throughout the body. It also opens up your chest and clears the passages to the lungs. The pose increases your flexibility, elevates your mood, and stretches the muscles of your chest.
6. Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)
Purvottanasana, which means eastward facing, signifies the onset of new and bright beginnings, just like how the sun rises in the East in all its glory. Practice this Upward Plank Pose early in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels for best results. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.
Purvottanasana For Treating Asthma
Purvottanasana opens up your mind to new possibilities and positivity. It improves the working of your respiratory system and keeps a check on your hormones. It helps you stay calm and composed as well as strong by strengthening your wrists, arms, and back, hence keeping asthma attacks at bay.
To know more about Purvottanasana and how to do it, click here: Purvottanasana
7. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
The ending pose for every yoga session, the Shavasana or the Corpse Pose gets its name as the pose requires you to stay immobile like a dead body. Shavasana can be practiced anytime during the day and not necessarily on an empty stomach if not preceded or succeeded by other asanas. Shavasana is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Stay in the pose for a couple of minutes till you feel completely relaxed.
Shavasana To Treat Asthma
Shavasana relaxes your entire body and mind and takes away any built-up anxiety or pressure. It brings you into a meditative state and completely refreshes you. The pose helps you to be calm and composed, which is essential to tackle asthma.
To know more about Shavasana and how to do it, click here: Shavasana
What are the symptoms of asthma? Symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Is asthma infectious? No, asthma is not contagious. What diet works best for an asthma patient? Stay away from any food that triggers the symptoms of asthma.