Highly Effective Pranayama Techniques for Asthma Patients

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Asthma patients tend to breathe faster than healthier people; they also tend to be mouth-breathers. This exposes the lung to cooler and drier air, which can trigger an attack. Breathing exercises are highly effective for controlling asthma symptoms as they help patients breathe at a regulated rate and reduces the need for preventative medicines.

Anulom-Vilom:

According to ancient scriptures, mouth breathing is the most severe Asthma marker. The advantage of breathing through your nose is that it adds warmth and humidity to the air being inhaled, which can help reduce Asthma symptoms. Anulom-Vilom helps people do just that, by breathing alternately through each nostril. When you breathe through your left nostril, close the right one with your right thumb, and when you breathe through your right, close your left nostril with your middle finger.

Nadi-Shodhana:

This Pranayama purifies the nadis - the energy channels of our body, which helps deliver adequate oxygen to all the cells in the body and also clears the blood of toxins. Perform it by sitting with your spine erect and start by placing your left hand on your left knee and your right palm open to the sky. Then place the tips of your index and middle finger between your eyebrows, and your ring and little finger on your left nostril, while your thumb rests on your right nostril. Apply pressure on each nostril while breathing through the nostril that is open.

Bharastika:

Also known as the ‘Breath of Fire’, Bharastika provides complete oxygen to the entire body though forced inhalations and exhalations. Start by sitting in Padmasana, with your spine erect and your hands on your knees with your palms facing upward. Take a deep breath, hold for five counts, and then release. Do this with force.

Kapalbhati:

This asana is hugely beneficial for the healthy functioning of the respiratory system. It is best done after the Bharastika pranayama, and should be continued in the same pose. Start by taking a deep breath, and as you exhale pull your navel in towards your spine forcefully. Repeat this pranayama 22 times.

Asthma is characterized by difficulty in breathing, which can be eased by following this simple routine of Pranayama every morning on an empty stomach. However, for long-term maintenance of the condition or to be free of it completely, you should consult a Jiva doctor. You can dial 0129-4040404 from your mobile phone or click on ‘Speak to a Doctor’ under the CONNECT tab in the Jiva Health App.