Yoga for Asthma

The word 'asthma' is derived from the Greek language that means 'panting' or
'labored breathing'. Asthma is a condition characterized by a paroxysmal wheezing
dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), mainly expiratory.

Asthma is very common among children, teens and adults. It is a condition where
the air passages in the lungs become inflamed. The air passages are the airways that
carry air in and out of the lungs. When the air passes through lungs, they get
inflamed, it becomes red and swollen. It starts to swell and sticky mucus or phlegm
is produced. All these factors cause the airways to become narrow and make it
difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks when your lungs aren’t getting enough air to
breathe with the results of Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a tight
feeling in the chest. Asthmatic attacks can be triggered by allergies, exercise, cold
air, pollution and stress related disorders.

Causes of Asthma Attacks

how does Asthma gets Triggered? , Some major dos and don’ts are listed here as
follows:

• Mold: Mold grows on damp things such as shower curtains, bath items, tubs,
basins and tiles. It should be removed and cleaned properly with soap, by using
exhaust fans or open window in bathroom and kitchen.

• Dust mites: Dust mites are tiny bugs which are not visible. They live in sheets,
blankets, pillows, mattresses, soft furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys and pet
animals like cats or dogs. So your furniture, blankets and carpets should be regularly
cleaned and asthmatic patients should stay away from pet animals.
• Second hand smoke: The smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or
cigar can triggers Asthma, or the smoke breathed out by a smoker. You should try to
make home smoke free.
• Cockroach: Cockroach body parts and droppings may trigger asthma attacks. To
prevent your place cockroach free, Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean,
clean dishes and crumbs, store food in airtight containers; cover trashcans.

• Nitrogen Dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that can irritate your eyes,
nose, and throat and may cause shortness of breath. This gas can come from the
use of appliances that burn fuels, such as gas, wood, and kerosene. You should use
fuel-burning appliances that are vented outside. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions on how to use these appliances. Never use gas-cooking stoves to keep
you warm or heat your house. Use an exhaust fan, when you cook. Follow the
maker's instructions for starting, burning, and putting out the fire.

• Chemical irritants: Chemical irritants found in some products in your house, such
as scented or unscented products, including cleaners, paints, adhesives, pesticides,
cosmetics, or air fresheners, may make your asthma worse. To prevent asthma from
it, Use these products less often and make sure your child is not around when you
use these them. Also, consider trying different products; take great care to follow the
instructions on the label. If you use these products, try to make sure those windows
or doors are open or you use an exhaust fan.

• Other asthma triggers: Air pollution can trigger your child's asthma. The main
air pollution triggers are small particles (also known as particulate matter). These
come from smoke, dust, and emissions from cars, factories and power plants. In
general the levels of particle pollution can be high any time of the year and are
higher near busy roads. Asthma attacks can occur the same day, but may also occur
the day after outdoor pollution levels are high. When the Air Quality Index (AQI)
reports unhealthy levels, one should limit physical exertion outdoors. Reschedule a
high-energy outdoor activity to avoid the period when air pollution levels are high, or
reduce the intensity of the activity, or spend less time engaged in high-energy
activities. Postpone sports activities to another time if air pollution levels are very
high.

Types of Asthma
According to the etiology, bronchial asthma is divided in to four groups:

1. Allergic (extrinsic/ atopic) asthma - This type of asthma usually starts in

childhood and is often preceded by eczema. But most of the young adults (<35 yrs)
developing asthma also fall in this category. Genetic factors also play a significant
role.

2. Infective or Intrinsic asthma - This is not hereditary or allergic, but may be

caused by, or at least associated with upper respiratory tract or bronchial infection
which is usually viral.

3. Psychological asthma- Factors (like anxiety, emotional stress etc) are often
considered to be the sole cause of some asthmatic attacks, but it is still not certain
whether it can be the sole cause or is only a precipitating factor.

4. Occupational asthma - This can occur in certain industries in which there are
exposure to metallic dusts (esp. platinum salts), biological detergents, toluene
diisocyanate, polyurethane, flour and dust from grains etc.

Yogic treatment for Asthma and Bronchitis

Scientific studies have shown yoga as one of the best alternate therapy to cure
asthma. Yoga is an ancient science that uses postures (asana) and breathing
techniques (Pranayama) to increase lung’s airflow, air capacity and stamina and
reduce stress. Simple meditation and relaxation techniques help to reduce stress,
regulate breathing patterns and also improve lung function. It reduces the frequency
and intensity of asthma attacks as well as to decrease medication use. Consistent
practice of yoga postures and Pranayama (breathing exercises) increases the lung’s
airflow, air capacity, stamina and efficiency. An integrated yoga program including
yogic cleaning Kriya Yogasana, Pranayama, meditation & dynamic relaxation is
suggested to practice under able guidance and supervision to cure asthma. Use of
Ayurveda recommended herbs viz. Ajwain, Harad, Hing, Sunthi and other are also
beneficial for asthma.

Shatkarmas (Yogic pacification techniques):

Hatha yoga has systematic practice of six cleaning kriyas for the purification of body
to make it ready to practice higher level of yogic practice. The first part is neti (jal
neti and sutra neti) that deals with the cleaning of head. Second part is dhauti (Jal
dhauti-kunjal and Vastra dhauti) that deals with the cleaning and purification of
throat to stomach area. The third is excretory-cleaning technique that is basti or
enima, which cleans intestine. These kriyas viz. Kunjal, Jal Neti, Sutra Neti and
Vastra Dhauti may be practiced in the supervision of yoga therapist.

Asanas:
Back bending postures opens the chest improving both lungs and heart is
functioning. Practice of upper back bending and chest opening postures if it is harder
to exhale during asthma attacks. Practice forward bends and lower back bending
poses if it is more difficult to inhale. An inverted posture drains out excess mucus
from the lungs and balances the immune system. A general yoga practice reduces
stress, physical tension, and muscle tightness and increases overall feelings of well
being by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Surya namaskar followed by udar Shakti vikasak kriyas.

• Asanas for Asthma: Tad asana, Kati Chakrasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana,

Bajrasana, Matsyasana, Gomukhasana, Yoga Mudra ,Ushtrasana, Simhasana, Ekpada
Uttanasana, Sarvangasana, Ardha Matsyasana, Paschimotanasana (posterior stretch)
and finally Shavasana (corpse pose).

Pranayama:
Pranayama cultivates the ability to maintain a relaxed and controlled breath, that
can prevent or reduce asthma attacks as well. Pranayama should be practiced
according to what usually triggers the asthma attacks. Breath perception is for all
conditions and will encourage slow deep breathing patterns. For stress and emotional
upsets use Nadi Sodhana (alternative nostril Pranayama with retention), for asthma
triggered by cold air practice Ujjaiy Pranayama (hissing sound Pranayama), and for
allergic arthritis use Sitcari or Shitali Pranayama. To help strengthen the lungs and
reduce mucus congestion practice Bhastrika (bellows Pranayama), Kapalbhati (lungs
and brain wash by breathing) and Anulom Vilom (alternative nostril Pranayama)
Pranayama slowly and gently.

Meditation and relaxation:

The relaxation aspects in yoga helps in calming the nerves. Dynamic relaxation and
meditation gives great relief in asthma. Thus, the practice of yoga helps to combat
stress, reduce physical tension and muscle tightness. It activates the
parasympathetic nervous system with the feelings of well-being.
Nature Cure:
Natural methods like steam inhalation, gargling after meals, hot water bag on the
face and neck, and sunbathing in not too direct sunlight would be very beneficial to
an asthmatic patient. Fast walking and running are also recommended in asthma as
this helps ventilation of the lungs. But not at the cost of exertion.
Diet:
Yogic treatment of asthma plays emphasis on diet. Wrong eating habit is also one of
the causes of asthma. So eat healthy and well balanced diet. Avoid milk and milk
products, rice, curd, fried food, cold drinks, banana and sour fruits. Replace your tea,
coffee with warm water. Avoid sudden exposure to cold weather. It is good to avoid
spicy, fried fatty foods. Foods, which increase mucous secretions like pickles,
chutneys, ice cream, refrigerated food items, ice and iced drinks, should be avoided.
The stomach should never be overloaded with food as it presses on the chest with
the feeling of fullness and discomfort. Dinner especially should be light and taken at
least two hours before bedtime.
Thus the treatment in asthma as in all diseases takes care of the Ahar (food), Aachar
(relationships), Vihar (recreation) and Vichar (thought processes) and it has been
seen in many cases that a person can change his diseased condition by changing his
attitudes and be a winner.

References:
1. Clinical study of yoga techniques in university students with asthma: a controlled
study.Vedanthan PK, Kesavalu LN, Murthy KC, Duvall K, Hall MJ, Baker S,
Nagarathna S.

Northern Colorado Allergy Asthma Clinic, Fort Collins 80524, USA.

Adult asthmatics, ranging from 19 to 52 years from an asthma and allergy clinic in a
university setting volunteered to participate in the study. The 17 students were
randomly divided into yoga (9 subjects) and non-yoga control (8 subjects) groups.
The yoga group was taught a set of breathing and relaxation techniques including
breath slowing exercises (Pranayama), physical postures (Yogasana), and
meditation. Yoga techniques were taught at the university health center, three times
a week for 16 weeks. All the subjects in both groups’ maintained daily symptom and
medication diaries, collected A.M. and P.M. peak flow readings, and completed
weekly questionnaires. Spirometry was performed on each subject every week.
Analysis of the data showed that the subjects in the yoga group reported a
significant degree of relaxation, positive attitude, and better yoga exercise tolerance.
There was also a tendency toward lesser usage of beta-adrenergic inhalers. The
pulmonary functions did not vary significantly between yoga and control groups.
Yoga techniques seem beneficial as an adjunct to the medical management of
asthma.

2. Dr. John Harvey, from the British Thoracic Society, said:” The Benefits of yoga
and nature cure, or any other relaxation techniques, are additional to the benefits of
conventional drug treatment, and it is vital that patients continue to take their
prescribed medication.”