Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained popularity today. It has been found to have a variety of health benefits as well as helping the practitioner achieve a sense of well-being. Asthma symptoms are just one of the many health conditions that can be improved with the practice of yoga.
If you suffer from asthma, there are several yoga poses you can do to bring relief. Here are some pointers to consider before using yoga to help treat asthma.
- Make sure that you consult your doctor before engaging in any new physical activity. Don’t stop any prescription medication unless advised to do so.
- Find a good yoga practitioner. If it is your first time to do yoga, it’s a good idea to learn from a teacher rather than following a video. A teacher will be able to each you the proper breathing and poses. It is imperative in yoga that you have the proper position and that you don’t unnecessarily strain yourself to avoid injury. Let your teacher know if you have any spinal conditions, heart or blood pressure problems. You may also let the yoga practitioner know of your asthma condition so he can bring special attention to poses that will be suit your needs.
- Remember to do the pose properly. Focus on your breathing as you do a pose. If you lose your balance, don’t fret. Just resume the position. You’ll notice you’ll get better as you practice. Pay attention to poses that open up your chest, strengthen your upper body and engage your breathing muscles.
- Sun Salutation. Also known as Surya Namaskar, this asana or yoga pose is an excellent stretch as it strengthens the muscles in the respiratory system. It is said that of the many different yoga poses that people should do in a day, it should be this. It is comprised of twelve poses, which are done in a sequence. However, women who have their period, and individuals who suffer from high blood pressure should refrain from doing this.
- Pada Hasthasana. Hands to feet is a yoga pose that improves circulation.
- Suryabheda. This inhalation technique utilizes only one nostril. It releases heat from the body as well as various impurities in the system. This is a highly recommended breathing technique for asthma sufferers.
- Ujjayi. Loud breathing is practiced to remove phlegm in the respiratory system. It improves conditions that are caused by wind in the body, such as asthma.
- Remember to hold for a minute. Try to hold the poses for a minute to strengthen your lungs and to train and strengthen your body and improve your lung capacity. Stay in the moment as you do the poses and don’t rush the exercise.
Because yoga involves deep breathing exercises, practicing it for even as little as thirty minutes a day has shown to provide relief and strengthen the lungs of asthmatics. It will also stretch and tone your body.
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