Yoga for Respiratory Health
Breathe Better and Strengthen Your Lungs with Targeted Yoga Techniques
What Respiratory Health?
Respiratory health refers to the health of your lungs and entire respiratory system, which includes your airways, nose, throat, and muscles that help you breathe. When your respiratory system is healthy, you can take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide efficiently.
Key Factors Impacting Respiratory Health
- Stress: Chronic stress activates the “fight-or-flight” response, leading to shallow, rapid breathing and reduced lung capacity.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity weakens respiratory muscles and reduces lung function.
- Environmental factors: Air pollution, allergens, and smoking can irritate the airways and hinder healthy breathing.
- Age: As we age, lung elasticity and capacity naturally decline.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart disease can compromise respiratory function.
Symptoms of Respiratory Issues
- Struggling to breathe: Shortness of breath at rest or with exertion.
- Whistling sound: Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing.
- Chest discomfort: Tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest.
- Coughing: A persistent cough, dry or productive with phlegm (mucus).
- Lack of energy: Feeling tired and fatigued easily.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested.
- Frequent illnesses: More frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections.
