If you have asthma, breathing will be difficult because your airways sometimes narrow and produce extra mucous. There is no cure for asthma, but alternative treatment such as pranayama may improve your symptoms. Pranayama is the science of breath, according to yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. Pranayama cannot replace medical treatment for asthma. To rule out more serious conditions, consult your doctor first.
Ujjayi Pranayama
Ujjayi pranayama translates to "conquest of energy" and may relieve asthma, says Iyengar. While lying on your back, place a pillow or two under your shoulder blades and your head so that both your chest and head are elevated. Make sure your head is slightly more elevated than your chest. Place an eye pillow on your eyes or wrap a bandage around your head, covering your eyes. Breathe naturally and consciously. Practice 10 cycles.
Pursed Lip Exhaling
Pursed lip exhaling may be performed in a lying or sitting position. Start by inhaling through your nose, then on the exhale purse your lips and exhale through your mouth. Continue breathing this way for up to 15 cycles. Take your time, stay calm, and feel free to take normal breathing breaks between cycles. This breathing exercise encourages deeper breathing habits which can be helpful to those suffering from asthma.
One-to-2 Breathing
One-to-2 breathing can be performed lying down or sitting up. Start by breathing normally and gradually decrease the length of your inhales until they are half as long as your inhales. An example would be breathing in for two seconds and breathing out for four seconds. Complete up to 15 cycles of this breathing exercise. Feel free to take normal breathing breaks between cycles.
Extended-Exhale Pausing Breath
Extended-exhale pausing breath can effectively lessen an asthma flare, according to the book, "Yoga as Medicine." This breathing exercise may be performed lying down or sitting up. Keep your inhale and exhales equal in length, but after the exhale, hold the breath calmly for a few seconds. Repeat up to 15 cycles.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Asthma; Mayo Clinic Staff; May 27, 2010
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S. Iyengar; 2001
- "Yoga as Medicine"; Timothy McCall, M.D.; 2007
