8 Baba Ramdev Yoga Asanas To Treat Asthma

When I say yoga can help treat asthma, it makes sense. Doesn’t it? Breathing and yoga go hand in hand, and if there is a problem involving your breath, yoga can surely help cure it. If you are an asthma patient, you know the trauma of constantly dreading that shortness of breath and bronchitis attacks. Approximately 358 million people around the world experience the same. Yoga, along with regular medicine, is an ideal alternative and a holistic approach to asthma treatment. Wondering how? We won’t keep you in the dark anymore. The following 8 Baba Ramdev yoga asanas will treat asthma, and all you must do is scroll down to find them.

Before that, let’s find out how yoga works to cure asthma.

Yoga For Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease involving the airways or the bronchial tubes.

The airways are swollen in an asthma patient, and get inflamed further when triggered by symptoms, narrowing them and making it difficult for the person to breathe. The ancient Egyptians recognized this problem and gave it its name. The problem significantly increased from the 1960s and now accounts for 397,100 deaths globally.

Exercise offers natural relief for asthma patients, but the intense physical movements can be challenging. On the other hand, yoga is slow and soothing, combined with deep breaths, which greatly help the patient’s asthmatic condition. The causes of asthma may be genetic, bacterial, certain medications, allergies, or environmental. Whatever the reason may be, yoga acts as a shield for asthmatic patients and helps you gain control over it.

As per a report, the national prevalence of asthma attacks among people with current asthma is 42.7% (1,803,554) for children under 18 years and 40.7% (8,538, 616) for those above 18 years. The mortality numbers for the same are 204 and 3,941, respectively, making it highly important to adopt its management practices.

So, without further ado, check out the following Baba Ramdev yoga for asthma patients.

Baba Ramdev Yoga For Asthma – 8 Best Asanas

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
2. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose)
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)
4. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
6. Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)
7. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
8. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Sukhasana or the Easy Pose is a simple seated pose that is also one of the easiest poses to sit down in meditation. In many Asian countries, Sukhasana is a natural way of sitting down and also assumed while having meals. For best results, practice this yoga asana for asthma in the morning, not necessarily on an empty stomach. The Easy Pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold the pose as long as you are comfortable sitting in it. You should preferably sit on a light cushion or a folded yoga blanket

Sukhasana For Treating Asthma

Sukhasana focuses on your breath and controls stress. It broadens your chest, relaxes your brain, and makes you strong and steady. The pose gives you a sense of calm and peace and helps you avoid circumstances that trigger asthma attacks due to tension and stress. It is a good pose for a simple breathing exercise for asthma.

2. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose)

 Upavistha Konasana or the Seated Wide Angle Pose involves sitting down on your buttocks and spreading your legs apart as wide as possible. Practice the pose in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from the last meal. Upavistha Konasana is an intermediate level Hatha yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.

 Upavistha Konasana For Treating Asthma

In this pose, holding the lower limbs sideways activates the upper torsoⁱ  The main section of a human body that stretches from the neck to the groin, excluding the head and limbs. and makes it more erect, and it automatically assumes a more controlled position. This opens up the lungs and causes the alveolusⁱ  A little air sac in the lungs where blood is exchanged for oxygen and carbon dioxide while breathing in and out. to expand, trapping oxygen molecules more easily, which  betters breathing. It also calms the brain and de-stresses your mind. The pose improves the body’s flexibility and, as a whole, is ideal to prevent an asthma attack.

 To know more about Upavistha Konasana and how to do it, click here: Upavistha Konasana

3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)

 Ardha Matsyendrasana or the Sitting Half Spinal Twist is an asana where you sit down and twist your spine sidewards. Practice the Ardha Matsyendrasana in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. The pose is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.

Ardha Matsyendrasana For Treating Asthma

Ardha Matsyendrasana stretches your posterior as well as anterior chest and opens it up, thereby paving the way for more oxygen to enter your lungs and improving their oxygen capacity. However, make sure the diaphragmⁱ  A large, dome-shaped muscle situated below the lungs that functions as the main breathing muscle in the body. is not locked. This function of the pose reduces the possibility of an asthma attack.

Quick Tip

You can practice a reclining variation of this pose called Supta Matsyendrasana. Lay with your back to the floor, stretch your arms out at shoulder level, bend one knee, and rotate with the hips to the opposite side.

To know more about Ardha Matsyendrasana and how to do it, click here: Ardha Matsyendrasana

4. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

 Sethu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose looks like a bridge when assumed. It works best when practiced in the morning on an empty stomach. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.

Sethu Bandhasana For Treating Asthma

Sethu Bandhasana is an effective yoga pose for asthma patients. It keeps your body balanced by opening up your chest and lungs, keeping a check on your thyroid gland, and improving digestion.

To know more about Sukhasana and how to do it, click here: Sethu Bandhasana

5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

 Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose is an energizing backbend that resembles the raised hood of a cobra. Practice Bhujangasana in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. The pose is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.

Bhujangasana For Treating Asthma

Bhujangasana eases the symptoms of asthma. It improves oxygen and blood circulation throughout the body. It also opens up your chest and clears the passages to the lungs. The pose increases your flexibility, elevates your mood, and stretches the muscles of your chest.

6. Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)

Purvottanasana, which means eastward facing, signifies the onset of new and bright beginnings, just like how the sun rises in the East in all its glory. Practice this Upward Plank Pose early in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels for best results. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.

Purvottanasana For Treating Asthma

Purvottanasana opens up your mind to new possibilities and positivity. It improves the working of your respiratory system and keeps a check on your hormones. It helps you stay calm and composed as well as strong by strengthening your wrists, arms, and back, hence keeping asthma attacks at bay.

Quick Tip

An easier variation of the pose is Ardha Purvottanasana or the Reverse Tabletop Pose. Bend both knees and pull your feet back 90 degrees from your thighs.

To know more about Purvottanasana and how to do it, click here: Purvottanasana

7. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

 The ending pose for every yoga session, the Shavasana or the Corpse Pose gets its name as the pose requires you to stay immobile like a dead body. Shavasana can be practiced anytime during the day and not necessarily on an empty stomach if not preceded or succeeded by other asanas. Shavasana is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Stay in the pose for a couple of minutes till you feel completely relaxed.

Shavasana To Treat Asthma

Shavasana relaxes your entire body and mind and takes away any built-up anxiety or pressure. It brings you into a meditative state and completely refreshes you. The pose helps you to be calm and composed, which is essential to tackle asthma.

To know more about Shavasana and how to do it, click here: Shavasana

8. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)

In the Uttanasana or the standing forward bend pose, you fold the entire body, which allows you to get an intense stretch in the spine and back muscles. It is a beginner-friendly pose and allows multiple variations depending on one’s flexibility level and may help relieve stress. For an advanced variant, you may try the Paschimottanasana or the seated forward bending pose.

Uttanasana For Treating Asthma

The Uttanasana pose involves bending forward as far as possible, which may open up the chest and clear the airways. The pose allows for deep, slow, and steady breathing, which makes it a beneficial asana for people with asthma. However, more scientific research is required in this regard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Is asthma infectious?

No, asthma is not contagious.

What diet works best for an asthma patient?

Stay away from any food that triggers the symptoms of asthma.

How often should I practice yoga asanas for asthma?

Yoga mudras for asthma must be practiced for at least 15 to 20 minutes daily for the best results.

What precautions should I take while practicing yoga asanas for asthma?

Remember to breathe slowly and follow the correct posture and technique while practicing these asanas for maximum benefit.

Use yoga to reduce the symptoms of asthma and wheezing. Watch the video below for simple yoga poses and breathing techniques to improve your breathing.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Anirudh GuptaCertified Yoga Instructor

 

Anirudh has 9 years of experience as a Certified Yoga Instructor – RYT 200 – Yoga Alliance from Yoga Vedanta Centre. His teaching style incorporates the therapeutic principles of healing into the asanas and leaves one refreshed and energized.

Read full bio of Anirudh Gupta

Shirin MehdiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.

Read full bio of Shirin Mehdi

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Himanshi MahajanHealth & Wellness Writer

Himanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University and two years of experience in writing SEO-based and research-backed content across health and lifestyle genres.

Read full bio of Himanshi Mahajan