Asthma
Breathe Easier and Manage Asthma with Therapeutic Yoga
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways). This leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough, particularly at night or early morning. While asthma is incurable, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications.
The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but it is believed to be a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. In individuals with genetic susceptibility, exposure to triggers can lead to:
- Airway inflammation: Immune system overreaction causing swelling and irritation of the airways.
- Hyperresponsiveness: Airways become sensitive to triggers, resulting in narrowing even with mild exposure.
- Increased mucus production: Excess mucus clogs the airways, further hindering airflow.
- Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sound during breathing, especially when exhaling.
- Chest tightness: A sensation of pressure or squeezing in the chest.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty catching your breath or feeling winded, even during minimal exertion.
- Cough: Often dry and persistent, worse at night or early morning.
- Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or reduced energy levels.
- Trouble sleeping: Frequent nighttime awakenings due to asthma symptoms.
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Gracious Pose): Opens the chest and improves lung capacity, making it beneficial for relieving asthma symptoms. It promotes relaxation and encourages deeper, more efficient breathing.
- Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose): Expands the chest and enhances lung capacity, making it beneficial for managing asthma. It encourages deep breathing and promotes relaxation, aiding in symptom relief.
- Adhomukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): Stretches the entire body, improves circulation, and deepens breaths.
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Stretches the chest and upper back, enhancing lung capacity and flexibility.
- Ushtrasana (Camel Pose): Opens the chest and improves lung capacity, making it beneficial for alleviating asthma symptoms. It encourages deep breathing and helps reduce respiratory discomfort.
Setubandha Sarvangasana (BridgePose): Expands the chest, enhances lung function, and promotes deep breathing, making it helpful for managing asthma symptoms. It also calms the nervous system, reducing respiratory strain.
- Savasana (Corpse Pose): Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports calm, deep breathing, which can help alleviate asthma symptoms and improve overall respiratory function.
- Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull-Shining Breath): Rapid expulsion of air through the nose, followed by passive inhalation, creating a cleansing effect and stimulating internal organs.
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Rhythmic breathing through alternate nostrils, calming the mind, reducing stress, and promoting balanced energy flow.
Supta Baddha Konasana
सुप्त बधकोनासन / Gracious pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from supta, which means “reclining,” baddha, which …
Supta virasana
सुप्त विरासना / Reclining Hero Pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from “supta" means "reclined” “vira” meaning “hero” …
Adhomukha Svanasana
अधोमुख स्वनासन / Downward facing Dog Pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from Adhas/Adho (अधस्) meaning down, Mukha (मुख) …
Bhujangasana
भुजंगासन / Cobra Pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from bhujanga (भुजंगा) meaning cobra or snake and āsana (आसन) …
Ushtrasana
उष्ट्रासनI / Camel pose
The name is derived from Ushtra (उष्ट्रासनI) meaning camel and Asana (आसन) meaning …
Setubandha Sarvangasana
सेतुबन्ध सर्वंगासन / Bridge pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from Setu (सेतु) meaning bridge, Bandha (बन्धा) …
Savasana
शवासना / Corpse pose
The sanskrit name is derived from Śava (शव) meaning "corpse" and āsana (आसन) …
Kapalbhati Pranayama
कपालभाति प्राणायाम / Skull Shining Breath
"Kapalbhati" comes from "Kapala," meaning "skull," and "Bhati," meaning "shining" …
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Anulom Vilom Pranayama )
नाडीशोधन प्राणायाम (अनुलोम विलोम प्राणायाम ) / Alternate Nostril Breathing
Nadi Shodhana ("alternate nostril breathing" or "channel cleaning breathing") …