A person with pulmonary problems typically has discomfort or difficulty breathing on a regular basis. For many people with pulmonary problems, exercise can be extremely difficult. However, gentle yoga poses can be soothing and therapeutic for people with respiratory difficulties. Yoga positions for pulmonary problems focus on opening the chest, clearing the airways and concentrating on proper breathing.
Warrior I
Also known as "Virabhadra's Pose," Warrior I pose helps with pulmonary problems because it opens the chest and airways. Begin in Mountain pose with your feet together. Gently step your feet apart with the left foot about 3 to 4 feet in front of your right foot. Raise your arms above your head and reach toward the ceiling with your fingers. Pull your shoulders together behind your back and concentrate on pulling them down toward the ground without dropping your arms. Turn your left foot inward to a 45-degree angle and your right food outward to a 90-degree angle. On an exhale, bend your left knee to as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Keep your right leg straight and extended behind you as you continue reaching toward the ceiling. Allow your chest to open and breathe deeply as you hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds. As you ease out of the yoga pose, press your right heel into the ground and slowly straighten the left leg.
Seated Side Twist
According to the Yoga Journal website, the seated side twist yoga pose is also known as "Half Lord of the Fishes" pose and is a therapeutic pose for people with asthma. Begin by sitting on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat against the floor in front of you. Slide your right foot under your left leg until it rests near your left hip. Step the left foot over the right leg until it rests outside the right knee or hip. Your left knee should point directly toward the ceiling. On an exhale, twist to the left and place your left hand on the floor behind you. Press your right elbow against outer left thigh as you elongate the stretch. Turn your head in the direction of your twist and allow your chest to open with the twisting motion. Hold the position for around 30 seconds, continuing to extend the stretch. Repeat on the other side.
Pranayama Poses
The Pranayama branch of yoga involves a series of breathing poses that aim to promote proper breathing techniques. Pranayama yoga poses include Breath Retention, Conqueror Breath, Lion Pose and Channel Cleaning Breath. One main exercise of pranayama yoga is the technique of nostril breathing. This yoga exercise involves using your right thumb to block your right nostril and exhaling through the left nostril. Once you have fully exhaled, inhale completely through the left nostril. Then use the fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand to block the left nostril and exhale and inhale completely through the right nostril. This yoga breathing exercise should continue for several minutes. Throughout any type of yoga, nose breathing is preferable to mouth breathing. When air is inhaled through the nose, it is filtered, warmed and moistened before it reaches the lungs. In people with pulmonary problems, these simple changes make a profound impact on the ease and comfort of breathing.
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