Given that over one hundred million people worldwide suffer from asthma, it is no wonder that many are seeking alternative methods as coping mechanisms. Like many asthma sufferers, you know your options of inhalers and anti-inflammatories, yet simple breathing techniques and yoga postures may make a world of difference as well.
Definition
Asthma is defined as an incurable lung disease that inflames and narrows your airways; the disease has many symptoms. From chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness and coughing, your reaction can range from mild to fatal. An asthma attack can occur as a result of what you breathe in, which exacerbates your already sensitive airways, delivering less oxygen to your lungs and sometimes causing the production of mucus, resulting in further complications.
Treatment
Many asthma sufferers can control asthma attacks with the use of inhalers or pills, such as anti-inflammatories. For long term relief, doctors prescribe inhalable corticosteroids, which relieve the airways from inflammation and swelling.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has long been a source of stress relief. The practice of deep, slow breathing, meditation and calming asanas, or poses, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, or PNS, which slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, resulting in mental relaxation. More vigorous yoga poses activate the sympathetic nervous system, or SNS, which stimulates the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Finding the right poses that kickstart the PNS and trigger a relaxation response are what soothes stressful experiences and symptoms, which can come into play during an asthma attack.
Alternative Solution
By practicing yoga and allowing the common yoga breathing technique, ujjayi pranayama, to deepen your breath, you may experience a relief in symptoms. Begin by finding a comfortable seated position. Sit with an erect spine and close your eyes. Feel your breath moving in and out of your nose, and deepen your breath so you feel it filling up your chest, rib cage, lower belly and spine. Breathe slowly and deeply for five to ten breaths, and then continue breathing deeply as you begin to move. Find your way into Dandasana, Baddha Konasana, Upa Vista Konasana, Virasana, and Supta Baddha Konasana. Explore poses that keep your spine erect and your chest open to encourage deep breathing and open airways.
Warning
Some poses may aggravate symptoms and block airways, such as Halasana, Paschimottanasana and Marichyasana I. Avoid poses that feel constricting and claustrophobic.
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