Yoga for Asthma Patients

Asthma patients cannot do conventional exercises for obvious reasons. In order to maintain physical and mental fitness they can practice certain yoga asana which put less pressure on the respiratory system. Additionally, they improve lung capacity and increase oxygen uptake by the body.Pranayamas

Pranayama is the classic breathing exercise for the asthma patients. It improves lung functioning with regular practice. There are many ways of doing pranayama. The easiest way is to exhale forcefully such that the stomach gets sucked in automatically. Repeat the act in pace for about 2 to 5 minutes.

Locust

Locust position helps de-stress your back and the breathing performed during the position helps in improving lung capacity. To do this position lay down on your tummy, forehead touching the floor. Your legs should be together.

Raise your legs together and inhale. Exhale as you lift your upper body and hold ankles of feet with your hands. Feel the stretch on your stomach. Maintain the position by counting till 10 and then come back to the original position.

Lie down again to perform the cobra position. Rest your head on your forearms. Slowly lift your head and place hands nearest to your shoulders. By putting weight of the upper body on your palms raise your upper body further to feel the stretch in your belly; your hands straight and perpendicular to the ground.

Maintain the position for a few seconds then slowly come back to the original position.

Bow Pose

The next yoga position for the asthma patients is Bow pose. Lay down as you did in the locust position. The difference in the position is that the lower legs are not bending towards the head. Instead, they are raised upwards, towards the floor. Therefore, in bow position you will feel your back extremely stretched while you hold ankles with your hands.

Prince Warrior

The hero pose is a little difficult but with little practice can be performed perfectly. Sit with your thighs parallel to each other. The feet should be placed a little wider than your hip.

Your back needs to be straight and hands can be placed on the upper thighs. Those with extra pounds may face difficulty in resting the hips on the floor.