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Breathe in Relief - Role of Yogasanas as Integrative Medicine for Asthma

Writer's picture: Dharmesh ShahDharmesh Shah

Yoga as Integrative Medicine for Asthma
Integrative Medicine for Asthma

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, often requires a multidimensional approach to manage its symptoms effectively. While conventional treatments like inhalers and medications are essential, complementary therapies can play a vital role as Integrative Medicine for Asthma in improving respiratory health and enhancing overall well-being. Among these, yoga has emerged as a holistic solution for asthma management, particularly through specific Yogasanas (yoga postures). Integrative healthcare, combining medical treatments with yoga, offers a balanced approach that not only targets symptoms but also addresses the root cause of asthma by calming the body and mind.


Understanding the Role of Yogasanas in Asthma Management


Yogasanas improve lung capacity, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, all of which are crucial for asthma patients. Asthma often worsens with stress and poor breathing techniques, and specific yogic postures help regulate breathing and reduce stress triggers.

Let’s explore some key Yogasanas that aid in asthma management, how to perform them, their benefits, and the best time to practice them.


1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)


How to Do It:

  • Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and your hands placed beneath your shoulders.

  • Slowly lift your chest off the ground while keeping your pelvis rooted.

  • Inhale deeply as you stretch upward, expanding your chest.

  • Hold for 15-20 seconds and release.


Benefits for Asthma:

Bhujangasana helps open the chest cavity, improving lung function and easing the breath. The gentle backbend also helps relieve tension in the chest muscles, which is often tight in asthma patients.

Best Time to Practice:

Morning is ideal, preferably on an empty stomach. Bhujangasana can also be practiced during the day to alleviate chest tightness.



2. Sukhasana (Easy Pose) with Pranayama


How to Do It:

  • Sit cross-legged on the floor, ensuring your spine is straight.

  • Rest your hands on your knees, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing.

  • Inhale deeply through your nose, hold briefly, and exhale slowly.

  • Continue for 5-10 minutes.


Benefits for Asthma:

Best Time to Practice:

Early morning or evening, when the mind is calm, is the best time to practice this pose. It can also be used as a pre-bedtime relaxation technique.


3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)


How to Do It:

  • Sit with your legs extended in front of you.

  • Bend your right knee and place your right foot outside your left thigh.

  • Twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow outside your right knee.

  • Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.


Benefits for Asthma:

Best Time to Practice:

Ardha Matsyendrasana is best practiced in the morning or late afternoon, as it energizes the body and helps detoxify the system.



4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)


How to Do It:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart.

  • Inhale and slowly lift your hips, pressing your feet into the ground.

  • Keep your arms by your sides and hold for 15-20 seconds before releasing.


Benefits for Asthma:

Setu Bandhasana opens the chest, allowing more oxygen to flow into the lungs. It strengthens the back muscles and improves the flexibility of the spine, both of which help in the overall lung capacity.

Best Time to Practice:

Morning or evening is ideal for this pose, as it prepares the body for better breathing throughout the day.


5. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)


How to Do It:

  • Lie on your stomach, bend your knees, and hold your ankles with your hands.

  • Inhale deeply and lift both your chest and legs off the ground, balancing on your abdomen.

  • Hold for 15-20 seconds and release.


Benefits for Asthma:

Best Time to Practice:

Early morning, preferably on an empty stomach.


Yoga Approach as Integrative Medicine for Asthma


While Yogasanas alone may not cure asthma, their integration into an overall treatment plan can greatly improve quality of life. In an integrative healthcare setting, asthma patients benefit from a combination of medical treatment and complementary therapies like yoga. Yogasanas, along with mindfulness, breathing exercises, and dietary adjustments, create a holistic treatment approach that addresses the root causes of asthma. The key is consistency, as regular practice leads to long-term benefits in managing symptoms, improving lung function, and reducing dependency on medications.


Incorporating Yogasanas into asthma management offers a natural, non-invasive method to improve respiratory health. When practiced at the right time and combined with integrative healthcare practices, these postures can significantly enhance lung capacity, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being for asthma patients.


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