The 26 yoga postures that comprise the Bikram yoga style were adapted from the Hatha yoga tradition by its creator Bikram Choudhury. Designed as a means by which to achieve "optimum health and maximum function," Bikram yoga poses for lung health force you to fully expand your chest in order to draw air in deeply. Asthma sufferers take note that Bikram yoga is performed in 105 degrees Fahrenheit and while many have claimed that this style of yoga has helped their asthma, everyone reacts differently. Check with your doctor before attempting these Bikram poses for your lungs.
Standing Deep Breathing
This standing deep breathing pose is effective in thwarting respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and emphysema. Standing with your feet together and your toes spread for maximum balance, stretch up through your waist in order to lengthen your torso. Bring your palms together in front of your heart. Your head should remain upright, with your gaze focused on a point no further than three feet away. Inhale to the count of five through your nose while extending your lower belly and then exhale to the count of five through your nostrils drawing your belly in. Continue in this fashion for up to five minutes.
Triangle Pose
From a standing position, spread your legs three to four feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in 45 degrees. Bend your right knee to stack it above your right ankle. Bend from your waist to the right keeping your torso facing forward and extend over your upper right leg. Rest your right hand or fingertips on the floor beside your right foot. Reach up with your left arm until it is perpendicular with the floor. Gaze forward or down at your right foot. Once settled into triangle pose, expand your chest in order to breathe fully and deeply. After five breaths, perform the Triangle on your left side.
Bow Pose
Lay on the floor on your stomach with your head turned to one side and your legs spread to hip-width distance apart. Bend your knees, and then on an exhale, reach back with your right hand and grasp your right ankle. Inhale and on your next exhale, reach back to grasp your left foot with your left hand. Inhale again and with your hands firmly grasping your ankles, pull your legs up and away from your buttocks. This action will lift your upper thighs and chest off the floor. As you breathe deeply, you'll find yourself rocking slightly on your abdomen. Stay in Bow pose for up to 30 seconds and then release your legs, chest and head back to the floor.
Blowing in Firm Pose
Kneel on the floor and settle back on your heels. Place your hands on your knees and lengthen your torso in order to maintain good posture. Inhale deeply, and then while exhaling, contract your belly in order to push the air out of your lungs forcefully. Try doing this slowly at first in order to master the technique and then when you're ready, after inhaling, contract and push the air out more quickly. You'll notice that after every contraction when air is pushed out of your lungs, you'll take a little inhale. The idea is not to deprive yourself of oxygen but to keep your breath moving quickly in order to improve the elasticity of your lungs. Go 25 rounds initially and work your way up to 100 over time.
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