Ayurvedic Yoga to Alleviate Asthma

By vpaulose, 31st Mar 2012 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/3y00u_mx/
Posted in Wikinut>Health>Alternative Medicine

Asthma has been on a remarkable increase in recent decades. Although there are many reasons for asthma, winter makes the asthma victims worse. Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India, can ease the symptoms of asthma by Ayurvedic medicines and yoga exercises.

Asthma is on the increase
Yoga treatment for asthma
Five easy yoga exercises for asthma

Asthma is on the increase

Global warming, pollution in the atmosphere and lifestyle changes of modern days have resulted in increasing asthma. Ayurveda, which provides holistic healing by bringing back harmony with the universe, assures relief from asthmatic attacks. Yoga exercises of Ayurveda restore the physical, emotional and spiritual imbalance caused by asthmatic symptoms. Ayurvedic treatment, combined with yoga exercises, can reduce asthmatic symptoms and bring relief.

Yoga as a part of Ayurveda

Ayurveda means “science of life” and yoga means “to yoke or bind together”. It is binding body and mind under one yoke to promote health and a happy life. Yoga is not a cult of a particular religion or an ancient martial art of acrobatic works. It is a systematic and practical discipline, aiming at experimental self-study. Pathanjali, the father of yoga philosophy, prescribes Hatha yoga exercises to make body conditions normal and get relief from diseases.

Yoga treatment for asthma

Asthma treatment in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, increase in kapha humor causes congestion in lungs and block in the breathing passage. Wheezing, cough and congestion with phlegm or mucus are symptoms of excess kapha. Asthma patients experience shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest and fatigue.

Yoga treatment for asthma

Through practising yoga regularly, the whole nervous system is made to reduce its excess activity and overcome the problems that lead to asthma and allergies that aggravate asthmaic condition. This has been substantiated scientifically by the experience of asthma patients who have been trying yoga for their ailments. Hatha yoga has been a great relief to thousands of asthma patients.

Yoga exercises reduce asthmatic symptoms

Hatha yoga consists of physical poses called asanas. Breathing exercises or Pranayama asanas remove congestion in the breathing system. Breathing and relaxation techniques of yoga open the tightened airways and help easy breathing. The yoga exercises including the poses, breathing, and relaxation techniques are very easy to learn and practice. They relax body and mind. They enable easy breathing.

Five easy yoga exercises for asthma

1) Alternate nostril breathing exercise or Pranayama

Alternate nostril breathing exercise is an easy breathing technique. It is just inhaling slowly through one nostril, retaining the breath for 5to 10 seconds, and exhaling through the other nostril.

2) Half spinal twist technique or Arthamatsyendrasana

This yoga of twisting spine strengthens spine and activates respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. This can be done either in sitting or standing positions.

3) Cobra pose or Bhujangasana

Cobra pose is lying down, stomach touching floor and lifting head up like a cobra. It is very beneficial for asthma as it helps stretching the chest and lungs, shoulders and abdomen. This pose also strengthens the spine and stimulates hormone flow.

4) Sukhasana or meditative pose

It is sitting erect on the floor with crossed legs. The fingers and palms will be touching the knees. This pose looks like a triangle in shape. Sitting in this position, breathing is done slowly for about 5 minutes.

5) Corpse pose or Savasana

This asana is lying on the floor on the back, arms and legs stretched freely. All the body limbs are relaxed fully. It looks like a corpse lying down on the floor.

There are hundreds of asanas which help reducing symptoms of asthma. Hatha yoga is gaining popularity in the west due to its various health benefits. Ayurvedic yoga treatment, combined with herbal medicines and diet for balancing the humors, tones up the nervous system and brings great relief to asthma patients. It has proved to be most effective in reducing asthma.