As per a report on Global Burden of Asthma, the condition affects over 300 million people worldwide. With increasing urbanization across the globe, the report has estimated an addition of approximately 100 million more cases by 2050. Yoga and Pranayama have emerged as an effective treatment for Asthma, as the western world continues to explore the numerous benefits of this ancient Indian science.
 | ||
| Pranayama is a basic posture |
The Benefits of Yoga poses for Hyperventilation: Treating Asthma with Pranayama
Asthma is the process of labored breathing when an individual suffers from shortness of breath. This results in hyperventilation as the lungs attempt to increase the intake of air to provide for the body's demand for oxygen.
Prana signifies the vital energy or the life force, and ayama means control. Thus, pranayama means breath control. It teaches you to breathe in a controlled and regulated manner.Pranayama and alternate nostril breathing are two of the hyperventilating techniques that have several benefits in the treatment of Asthma,
- Pranayama and hyperventilation increases vitality and gives a tremendous boost to the immune mechanisms of the body. Pranayama and hyperventilation makes the immune system more mature and aids in effective management of asthma.
- Hyperventilating technique and pranayama are conscious breathing techniques which brings oxygen and energy to all the cells in the body and enhances the cellular processes. This improves the overall metabolism of the body and enhances health.
- This pranayama and hyperventilating technique has significant beneficial effects on the respiratory tract. Anuloma-viloma, also called nadi-shodhana, greatly enhances lung power. It improves the functioning capacity and working ability of the lungs and the respiratory muscles. It slows down the rate at which one inhales and exhales, thus staving off aging.
- Additionally, alternate nostril breathing, peps up the immune system, strengthens the body against allergens and infections, and consequently helps ward off an episode of asthma.
At the subtle level, nadi-shoddhana, purifies the nadis or the channels through which the prana or the vital force flows. It balances the flow of the energy through the body.
The Yoga Pose for Asthma Treatment : Pranayama using Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique For Hyperventilation
 |
| Alternate Nostril Breathing |
The following are the simple steps of practicing alternate nostril breathing at home,
- Sit in padmasana (lotus pose), keeping the back erect.
- Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand on to the palm. Keep the thumb, little and ring fingers straight.
- Place the thumb on the right nostril and close it. Inhale through the left nostril.
- Then using the little and the ring fingers, close the left nostril and breathe out through the right nostril (release the thumb).
- Inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left. This completes one round of anuloma-viloma.
- 5 sets of anuloma-viloma are advocated daily, gradually working it up to 10 rounds.
- It should also be borne in mind that a regular and sustained practice is essential for the health benefits to be witnessed.
