Yoga for Asthma: 10 Best Yoga Asanas for Asthma

Living with asthma can be very difficult but not if you practice yoga for asthma. However, the ancient practice of yoga offers a holistic approach to treatment. There are numerous yoga for asthma that will help you to ease the pain. Yoga breathing exercises for asthma can enable you to lead a more convenient life.

This blog delves into specialized techniques for enhancing the health of your lungs. These specific breathing techniques and yoga poses for asthma also ensure that you lead a relaxed life with a calm mind.

From gentle stretches and conscious meditation to alternate breathing techniques, yoga has some of the best solutions for asthma patients. Yoga ensures a healthy respiratory system and even treats lifestyle problems like high blood pressure and many more. 

Yoga For Asthma Patients

Here are the 13 best yoga poses and yoga breathing exercises for asthma patients for maximum comfort and treatment purposes.
 

Nadi Shodhan Pranayama Or Alternate Nostril Breathing

This asana will teach you a controlled breathing technique that will simply calm you down. The alternate nostril breathing method clears the nasal passage and strengthens the respiratory system. This asana is particularly good for alleviating respiratory irritants and also improves concentration owing to the controlled breathing involved in it. Follow these steps:

1. Firstly, sit down in a crossed-leg position.

2. Place your both hands on the knee.

3. Close your right nostril by using your right thumb and exhale deeply.

4. After that, inhale through the left nostril and close it.

5. Then, open the right nostril and close the left nostril with your fingers.

6. Exhale deeply through the right nostril.

7. After that, inhale from the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril.

8. Finally, repeat the process for 5 minutes.

Sukhasana Or The Easy Pose

This meditative asthma asana serves two purposes. First is that it improves the breathing of a person. Secondly, the asana also enables meditation by default. So while you work on your respiratory system, you will also be calming your mind. Complete focus on breathing will make you more conscious of the process and teach you how to breathe properly. Here are the steps to perform:

1. Place a yoga mat on the floor and sit with your legs extended.

2. Straighten your shoulder blades and place the arms to the side.

3. After that, cross your legs and place them on top of each other.

4. Then, maintain a cross-legged position by placing the foot beneath the opposing knee.

5. Keep the hands on your knees and make sure that palms are facing downward.

6. Press down your buttocks on the floor and balance your body weight.

7. Inhale deeply and wait for 3 to 5 seconds. After that, exhale slowly.

8. Finally, repeat the inhale and exhale process for 5 minutes.

Kapal Bhati Or Shining Forehead Pose

Also called ‘Shining Skull’, this asana is one of the most beneficial asanas for the entire body. It regulates the heartbeat and improves blood circulation to the brain. By doing this exercise every day, the lungs become stronger and the nasal passage clears out. The exercise also clears all kinds of nasal congestion. Here are the steps to perform kapal bhati:

1. Firstly, erect your spine and sit comfortably.

2. Place your hands on your knees and ensure that your palms are facing upward.

3. After that, inhale deeply and while exhaling, pull your navel and stomach backward.

4. Inhale while relaxing your stomach and the breath will flow into your lungs.

5. Then, repeat the process for 20 to 30 times.

6. Close your eyes and feel the sensation on your whole body.

7. Finally, start the whole process again.

Ardha Matsyendrasana Or Half Lord Of The Fish Pose

The seated and twisted yoga asana is a must for those who wish to strengthen their respiratory muscles. The asana also enhances flexibility of the spine, thus, improving the overall strength of the upper body. Such yoga poses for asthma must be practiced daily as they are preventive. Perform the steps given below:

1. Firstly, sit and stretch your legs in front of you.

2. Cross your knee by placing your right foot on your left knee and your left foot on your right knee.

3. While inhaling put a little pressure on your sitting bones and lengthen your spine.

4. After that, extend your left arm upward by placing your right arm behind your body.

5. Twist your body and hook your elbow behind your knee while exhaling.

6. Then, lengthen your spine while exhaling.

7. Follow the movements of your spine and hips.

8. After that, maintain the position for 8 to 10 breaths.

9. Finally, repeat the process on the other side.

Also read: Yoga for Depression

Setu Bandhasana Or Bridge Pose

Highly recommended for people who are facing stiffness in or around the shoulders and neck is the Setu Bandhasana. Those suffering from sinusitis and asthma must practice it as it increases the flow of blood to the head, therefore increasing the lung capacity as well. Here are the steps to perform it:

1. First of all, lie down on the yoga mat keeping your knee bent.

2. Secondly, ensure that your feet are on the yoga mat.

3. Place your arms beside your body and palms should be facing downward.

4. Then, lift your hips by putting down some pressure on your feet while inhaling.

5. Clap your hands behind the back and put pressure on the yoga mat with your pinkie fingers.

6. After that, bring your thighs together and lengthen your spine.

7. Finally, lower yourself by releasing your hands.

Bhujangasana Or Cobra Pose

One of the most effective asanas, this pose opens up the chest and improves the health of the lungs. It enables a person to naturally exhale slowly which will make you feel better instantly. This yoga breathing exercise for asthma patients is easy and can be done with ease every day. Follow these steps:

1. Firstly, keep your hands beside the ribs and lie on your stomach.

2. Lift your chest while inhaling and firm the shoulder blades to the upper back.

3. After that, lift your head without putting any weight on your hands.

4. Get back to the old position while exhaling.

5. Then, repeat the same process twice.

6. Use your hands to lift your chest and bring forward your side ribs.

7. Lengthen your neck and pull your upper arm bones backward.

8. After that, look upward while maintaining the length of your neck.

9. Finally, repeat the process 5 to 10 times.

Adho Mukha Svanasana Or Downward Facing Dog

Rhythmic breathing and breath awareness are the two main functions of Adho Mukha Svanasana. Inhale as you bend to perform the asana and exhale slowly once you’re in the position. You will feel fresher and your breathing will get smoother. Breath awareness is vital for treating asthma and yoga can teach that to a person organically. Follow these steps:

1. First of all, start with the foot and palms touching the ground.

2. Secondly, keep your shoulder above the wrists and hips above the knees.

3. Roll your arms away from you and tuck your toes together.

4. After that, lift your hips upward and apply pressure with your hands to maintain the V pose.

5. Lengthen your spine and keep your knees bent.

6. Then, spread your collarbones and keep your neck relaxed.

7. Bend and stretch your legs and bring your heels toward the floor.

8. Inhale and exhale slowly up to 5 to 10 times.

Badhakonasana Or Butterfly Pose

Also called Butterfly asana, this pose is extremely beneficial for encouraging diaphragmatic breathing. This will keep your spine straight and ensure flexibility around the upper body. This asana is especially beneficial for men as it stretches the inner thigh and the groin.

1. Firstly, place a yoga mat on the floor and sit on it.

2. Keep your legs together and extend them straight by sitting on the floor.

3. After that, keep your head, shoulders, and back in a straight position.

4. Then, place your hands on your thighs with palms facing downward.

5. Bend your knees while exhaling and keep your feet near the torso.

6. Clasp your hand and interlock your fingers.

7. After that, keep your back straight and lower your knees to the floor level.

8. Support your body weight with your elbows and bring your knees and calves to the floor level.

9. Then, breathe gently and deeply and release the yoga posture.

10. Finally, put your hands on your thighs and extend your legs.

Poorvottanasana Or Upward Plank Pose

To improve your lung capacity, the Purvottanasana or the upward plank pose is highly recommended. This yoga for asthma exercise is beneficial for the chest muscles and will add to the strength of your back. The asana engages the arms, shoulders, neck, and even legs. Here is the step-by-step guide to perform it:

1. First of all, start your legs stretched out and keep your feet together.

2. After that, place the palms on the floor and your fingertips should be facing away from you.

3. Put your whole body weight on your arms and do not bend them.

4. Inhale deeply and raise your back or pelvis upward.

5. Then, keep your feet flat and knees straight.

6. Maintain this position for a few minutes and keep breathing.

7. After that, get back to the sitting position to relax.

8. Finally, repeat the process with your fingers facing the opposite direction.

Shavasana Or Corpse Pose

Shavasana or the Cobra pose induces deep relaxation. The human body can stretch properly and release stress stored in the shoulders and neck. Those dealing with a hunchback must perform this asana as it corrects the posture. This pose is also ideal for reducing flab from the waits and weight loss. Here is how you can perform it:

1. First of all, lie on your back and keep your arms away from your body.

2. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose.

3. Then, relax your body and mind.

4. After that, exhale slowly and maintain this position comfortably.

5. Control your body, mind, and breath to maintain the relaxation state.

6. Finally, remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.

Join the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in India

Conclusion

Yoga for asthma includes many yoga breathing exercises for asthma. Some of the yoga poses for asthma patients include Sukhasana and Padmasana to relax your breathing. Bhujangasana and Setu Bandhasana strengthen the chest, and lungs and even work to ensure proper functioning of the respiratory system. An effective yoga breathing exercise for asthma is the Anillom-vilom as it clears the breathing passage and even keeps you fresh.