After practicing Bikram yoga for thirty days, asthma-sufferer Hamlet Sweeney exclaimed that "my breathing felt stronger and by the time it ended I realized I hadn't used my inhaler, not even once." If you suffer from asthma, Bikram yoga might improve your symptoms, as it did with Sweeney. However, Bikram yoga might not produce the same results for everyone, especially depending on the type and intensity of your asthma. Talk to your doctor before pursuing Bikram yoga as a possible treatment method.
Lung Function
Asthma causes trouble breathing from blocked or narrowed airways. Bikram yoga, which was started by Bikram Choudhury, is composed of a 26-posture sequence that is practiced at 105-degree Fahrenheit. The Hadassah Medical Organization hypothesizes that Bikram yoga might improve bronchial hyperreactivity and lung function tests in those with exercise-induced asthma. The study proposal notes that dry air and cold air can cause this type of asthma; therefore, the high heat found in Bikram yoga might prevent this effect. However, the study has not yet been conducted.
Body Awareness
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that one of the most important aspects of asthma prevention and control is awareness of your body. You need to be aware of your triggers and when your symptoms are coming on, so you can use medications as soon as possible to prevent the symptoms. Yoga teaches body awareness, which could help you realize the first signs and symptoms of asthma, as well as its triggers.
Breathing
MayoClinic.com explains that breathing exercises might reduce your asthma symptoms and even possibly lower your medication needs. It gives yoga breathing as an example, noting that this type of breathing encourages taking slow and deep breaths. Also, yoga lowers your stress levels and raises your fitness levels, which improves your lung strength to reduce asthma symptoms. Bikram yoga provides aerobic exercise by flowing from pose to pose. The Bikram yoga website explains that yoga increases the amount of oxygen your body obtains and also teaches you how to better use that oxygen through breathing exercises.
Warning
Some students experience trouble breathing in the high heat found in a Bikram yoga class, which might worsen asthma symptoms. Also, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for asthma, since asthma affects each person differently. You might need asthma medication to control your asthma, such as quick relievers or long term controllers. Don't stop taking your medication if you begin a Bikram yoga class; talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
References
- Bikram Yoga: Testimonials
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Overview -- Treatment
- Bikram's Yoga College of India: About Bikram Yoga
- Clinicaltrials.gov: Bikram Yoga and Asthma
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Overview -- Prevention
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma Treatment -- Do Complementary and Alternative Approaches Work?
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