What to know about yoga for asthma

How yoga can help asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become narrowed and inflamed. The muscles surrounding them tighten and squeeze, resulting inTrusted Source symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Asthma treatment usually involvesTrusted Source medication that relaxes the muscles around the airways and reduces swelling and mucus.

Some research shows that yoga may be useful as a complementary treatment for asthma. This means a person would perform yoga in addition to an existing treatment plan, likely involving medication.

For example, a recent study involving 165 people with mild to moderate asthma examined the impact of yoga on asthma control compared to a non-yoga group. After 13 weeks, the group that did yoga alongside their usual treatment had better control of their condition, with fewer flare-ups. They also spent less money on managing their asthma than the other group.

Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis found moderate evidence that yoga improves lung function, symptoms, and quality of life in people with mild to moderate asthma.

Finally, researchTrusted Source also shows that pranayama, a form of yogic breathing that involves conscious and controlled breathing techniques, is particularly beneficial for children with asthma.

Yoga exercises to try

The following yoga poses may help people with asthma. They may assist with opening the chest, encouraging deep breathing, and controlling breathing. Although the following poses are suitable for beginners, individuals should keep their current fitness level and existing injuries in mind before starting any new exercise program.

Yoga poses that may help people with asthma include the five poses below.

1. Bridge

Bridge pose opens the chest and can stimulate digestion.

1. Begin by laying on the back and bending the knees.
2. Plant the heels of the feet on the floor underneath the knees.
3. Extend the arms down alongside the body.
4. Press into the feet, engage the core, and lift the hips.
5. Pull the shoulders back, planting the shoulder blades into the mat.
6. Hold for 30 seconds.
7. Take a deep breath and lower back down.

2. Baby cobra

This pose improves spinal flexibility and encourages deep breathing.

1. Begin by laying on the stomach.
2. Plant the palms in front of the chest in line with the shoulders.
3. Gently push up until the entire stomach is off the ground. Keep the shoulders back and neck long.
4. Inhale and exhale in this pose.
5. Hold for 30 seconds.
6. Lower back down and repeat.

3. Supine spinal twist

In addition to improving deep breathing, this pose reduces lower back pain and improves digestion.

1. Lie on the back, stretching arms out in a “T” shape at the sides.
2. Inhale and draw the left knee to the chest.
3. Exhale and draw the knee across the right side of the body. Rest the knee on the ground or use a cushion for more support.
4. Turn the head to the left.
5. Hold for 30 seconds.
6. Inhale, draw the knee back to the center, and repeat on the other side.

4. Cat-cow

This combination of cat pose and cow pose opens the chest and improves lung capacity.

1. Get onto the hands and knees, placing the hands directly under the shoulders and the knees under the hips.
2. With each exhale, round the back. Pull the belly button into the spine.
3. With each inhale, gently drop the belly and arch the back. Keep the chest open and neck long.

5. Low lunge

Low lunge pose opens the chest, encourages deep breathing, and stretches the hip flexors.

1. Start in downward-facing dog.
2. Step the right leg forward and plant it on the floor between the palms.
3. Gently lower the back left knee to the mat.
4. Keep the right knee over the ankle and extend the arms overhead.
5. On a deep inhale, open the chest and stretch backward. Take several inhales and exhales in the lunge.
6. Push up into a downward dog for 30 seconds.
7. Repeat on the other side.

Adding yoga to an asthma treatment plan

An asthma treatment plan, sometimes called an asthma action plan, is a tailored guide to help people effectively manage their asthma. A doctor devises this plan and personalizes it to an individual’s needs.

It can includeTrusted Source things to avoid, which medications to take, and what to do in case of an asthma attack.

Although medication is a key part of an asthma treatment plan, a healthcare professional may also comprise nondrug therapies, including home remedies, yoga, and more.

Adding regular yoga practice to an asthma treatment plan may strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, and build a connection between the body and breath.

However, it is crucial to note that this activity is not a medically proven treatment for asthma and cannot relieve acute symptoms. With this in mind, a person experiencing worsening asthma symptoms should consult their asthma action plan.

Other health benefits of yoga

In addition to helping people with asthma, yoga offers various benefits for physical and mental health.

Physical benefits

The physical benefits of yoga include:

• increased flexibility
• improved athletic performance
• maintaining a balanced metabolism
• improving cardio and circulatory health
• increased muscle tone and strength
• enhancing energy, respiration, and vitality
• weight reduction
• protection from injury

Mental benefits

The mental benefits of yoga include:

• mental clarity and calmness
• stress management
• relaxes the mind
• sharpens concentration
• increases body awareness

When to contact a doctor

If an individual experiences signs of an asthma attack, they should seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms of an asthma attack includeTrusted Source wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and rapid breath. In severe cases, an individual should go to the emergency room for prompt treatment.

Summary

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to constrict.

While medications can treat the condition, yoga is a natural option that may help people with asthma manage their symptoms.

Some yoga poses, such as baby cobra and cat-cow, are particularly suitable for individuals with the condition because they open the chest and encourage deep breathing.

Yoga can be a suitable addition to an asthma action plan. Therefore, a person may wish to discuss incorporating the activity with a healthcare professional.

However, yoga is not an appropriate treatment for acute asthma symptoms, and people with asthma should have medication on hand in case of an asthma attack.