Of the many alternative natural remedies that can be used to minimize asthma symptoms, yoga has gained considerable popularity and emerged as a promising complementary treatment for asthma, which afflicts both adults and children.About 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease in which the airways become narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This leads to breathing difficulties and triggers symptoms like coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.
* Sukhasana- Sit up straight with your feet stretched out in front of you.
- Cross your legs, keeping your knees wide, shins crossed, and each foot placed under the corresponding knee.
- Keep your feet relaxed, allowing the outer edges of your feet to rest on the floor. Keep your pelvis in a neutral position.
- Place your palms facing up on your lap.
- Elongate your tailbone, and relax your shoulders.
- Now, take deep breaths.
* Setu Bandhasana- Lie flat on your back, with your arms parallel to your body and your palms facing down.
- Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
- Inhale and raise your hips off the floor, pressing your feet firmly on the floor.
- Slowly raise your torso along with your hips, shifting your weight onto your shoulders and feet.
- Hold the position for 5 to 8 deep breaths.
- Exhale as you gently lower your back to the ground.
- Take a few deep breaths before standing up.
* Bhujangasana- Lie down on your belly and keep your legs stretched out.
- Place your palms underneath your shoulders, keeping your elbows bent.
- Your toes should be touching the floor.
- Inhale and slowly raise your head and chest up as you push down through your hands.
- Keep your hips on the floor, and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Exhale and slowly return to the starting position.
- Relax and take a few deep breaths.
- Repeat this at least 5 times, relaxing for 15 seconds between each round.
* BaddhaKonasana- Sit up straight with your legs straight out and your back straight.
- Bend your knees and bring your feet inward.
- Place the soles of your feet together, about 6 inches away from your pelvis.
- Hold your feet with your hands.
- Inhale deeply, releasing the thighs and knees down toward the floor.
- Taking normal breaths, start flapping both legs up and down.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the speed, continuing for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Slow down and then stop.
- Take a few long, deep breaths, and slowly straighten your legs out in front of you.
* Savasana
- Lie down on your back, stretching your legs out in front of you.
- Place your arms alongside your body, palms facing up.
- Close your eyes and relax.
- Breathe slowly, making each breath deep and rhythmic.
- Focus on your breathing while staying in this position for at least 10 minutes.
- To come out, roll over to one side and slowly rise into a sitting position.