Breathing Exercises for Asthma Patients: Yoga, Pranayama for Asthmatics

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder that causes the narrowing of the airways which results in breathing difficulties.

• During asthma attacks, there is a swelling in the air passage making it hard for air to pass through thus leading to wheezing sounds
• Inflamed bronchial tubes are very sensitive to allergens or irritants such as:
  • Pollen
  • Animal or pet hair
  • Dust
  • Changes in weather especially cold weather
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Stress
  • Molds
  • Common Colds
  • Chemicals in the air or surroundings

Breathing Exercises for Asthma Sufferers

• Proper breathing exercises can also help in controlling these attacks.
• It is sometimes called Relaxation breathing or diaphragmatic breathing.
• This kind of breathing exercise is a useful tool during meditation and in yoga classes
• The main goal of this breathing exercise is to clear the mind and calm oneself thus reducing stress which one of the triggering factors of asthma

A simple breathing technique for asthma includes:

• Breath in through the mouth with a count of three
• Hold in the breath for another three count
• Slowly exhale through pursed lips

Yoga Techniques for Asthmatics

Breathing is one of the essential functions of an individual.

Breathing techniques can assist in many aspects of a person’s life.

• One goal during a breathing exercise is to bring back the natural diaphragmatic breathing and focus on exhalation especially on the onset of the attack.
• Another goal is help expand the chest wall and increase its flexibility

Pranayama, Buteyko for Asthma Patients

The main types of breathing exercises are:

1. Pranayama
2. Buteyko

• Pranayama is the science of controlling ones breathing.
• It is sometimes called Yoga Breathing.
• Studies have shown that a powerful therapy such as yoga have an effect in the reduction of the frequency and severity of asthma attacks
• Increased air capacity, air flow and stamina of the lungs are the results of continuous practice of proper postures and pranayama.

There are three simple steps in achieving pranayama. These are:

1. Step 1: Body control through proper posture
2. Step 2: Control of breathing
3. Step 3: If step 1 and step 2 are followed correctly then that will eventually lead to step 3 which control of life force or prana.

Buteyko is a drug-free, holistic, and natural method of normalizing ones breathing with no side effects. It is a technique that allows an individual to bring down ones breathing pattern to a normal level thus reducing the need of medication and eradicates the symptoms of asthma

Treatment for Asthma:

• The target for treatment is to reduce airway inflammation and evade substances that may start the symptoms of asthma
• Long-acting and quick-relief medications are two types of medications given to patients during asthma attacks.

Related Topics
• Breathing Difficulties: Causes Of Airway Narrowing, Asthma And Breathing
• Diet for Asthma: Foods, Vitamins, Minerals For Asthmatics
• Bronchial Asthma Cuases: Home Remedies For Labored Breathing
• Yoga Exercises For Flat Stomach | Yoga Asanas For Fat Reduction
• Breathing Problems in Children: Breathlessness, Croup, Asthma, Choking