1. Listen Up
Before you attempt to use Bikram yoga to relieve asthma symptoms, it is important to recognize that each case of asthma is different, and what works for one person, may not work for another. Before starting a fitness routine, it is important to speak to your doctor. If you begin Bikram yoga and notice asthma symptoms improving, do not discontinue use of your regular medications without first consulting your doctor. Finally, listen to your body. If you find that Bikram yoga is actually aggravating your symptoms, stop. However, that doesn't mean that another more gentle form of yoga might be the remedy you need.
2. The Temperature Factor
Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga, as it is performed in a room heated to 105 degrees F. This can be helpful for asthma sufferers as it helps to warm the body more quickly, allowing you to increase flexibility at a faster rate. Additionally, because many types of asthma are triggered by environmental pollutants and allergens, the excessive sweating promoted in Bikram yoga can help your body to expel toxins more efficiently. However, for some, heat and humidity aggravate asthma symptoms. If this sounds like you, there is no reason you can't give Bikram yoga a try, but you may find that Hatha or Iyengar yoga which move at a slower pace in a warm but not hot room are better suited for your needs.
3. Breathe Easy
Bikram yoga for asthma works on the theory that regular practice increase cardiovascular fitness, reduces physical strain on the body including the heart and lungs, expands the chest and lung capacity and develops healthy breathing techniques in general. Additionally, Bikram yoga incorporates relaxation techniques which can help you to control the physical and emotional triggers that bring an asthma attack.
4. Finding Focus
Bikram yoga is unique in that the sequences are organized with 26 set poses and two breathing exercises. To get the full benefit of yoga practice for asthma, spend extra time on postures which target the respiratory system. For example, you might work twice as long on the beginning and ending breathing exercises to increase lung capacity and improve deep breathing techniques. Focus on backbend series and spinal twists in Bikram yoga as well, as they help to open the chest and increase lung capacity. Finally, the multiple relaxation poses in Bikram yoga offer the opportunity to practice relaxation, such as forward bends and the corpse pose.
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