People suffering from asthma and allergic processes, know how limiting are these episodes in their lives in which the bronchi are hypersensitive and react to a variety of causes that usually do not cause problems. For example, house dust or pollen of certain plants are the trigger for episodes of breathing problems, cough, chest tightness and inflammation of the respiratory system. Inflammation of the bronchial wall also produces thick mucus, which contributes to make the breathing process a great effort leading to asthma .
Although conventional medical treatment for asthma and allergy exists, basically consists of managing the symptoms with medication. Bronchodilators expand the bronchi and immune suppressants block the allergic reaction. They can´t cure asthma and allergies permanently, only control them to a certain level. Often happens that the effectiveness of the drugs is reduced over time so it is needed higher doses and stronger drugs, but this increases the side effects.
Yoga helps to reduce completely the asthmatic and allergic reactions, not just control them on a physical level but also on a mental and emotional level. Asthma and Allergies are closely linked to stress and directly connected to the emotional and mental state. Yoga is a powerful tool that helps to mitigate asthma. The main function of Yoga is to restore the inner peace that is our natural state. Peace is not the absence of conflictive situations, because that is not under our control. True peace is the peace which can be maintained even in the midst of conflict, regardless of the circumstances.
How can Yoga help me if I suffer from asthma, allergies or respiratory problems?
- You will learn breathing and relaxation techniques that will give you the possibility to maintain emotional control during these episodes.
- Learn to breathe to maximize lung capacity.
- Increase stamina levels of the respiratory system.
- Release excess of mucus from your respiratory passages
- Release tension and tightness from the chest muscles
- Reduce the level of stress and fear caused by these situations.
With Yoga practice, lungs capacity are increased, blood and organs are cleaned, improves overall health and rise up our energy level increasing our vitality. Yoga also improves self-confidence and you will feel ready to do those things that perhaps you have been putting aside for quite a while. There are yoga asanas that are especially beneficial for those suffering from asthma, there are certain yoga postures that soften and open the blocked energy centers in these situations like triangles or trikonasanas, or bujhangasana cobra, bow or danhurasana, inverted poses , candle or viparita sarvangasana karani mudra, or matsyasa or fish, half-twist or ardha matsyendrasana and others will help greatly to decrease and with constant practice completely stop those annoying episodes.
Breathing properly is a source of health. It gives energy to our body and mind. It is the key and the door to effective relaxation. Pranayama or breathing exercises as kaphalabati stimulates abdominal tissues of the lungs, chest muscles relaxes and energizes the entire body. Anuloma Viloma or alternate nostril breathing produces a calming effect, and if it is performed in a meditative state, provides harmony and inner peace. Yogic breathing exercises, expands your lung capacity and the ability to revitalize the respiratory and circulatory system. Increasing cell vitality, your entire metabolism gets better oxidation through natural and simple exercises and the digestive process will be enhanced as well.
Yoga will make us conscious of our diet. A proper diet will help to reduce these episodes especially where asthma has an allergic origin. Avoiding meat and salt and giving priority to fresh vegetables and fruits with vitamins A, C and E (in yellow and red fruits a beneficial antioxidants are abundant). Reducing or eliminating dairy products and drinking plenty of water will contribute to dissolve this problems and also avoiding smoke contaminated areas will improve our health.
Nature provides remedies that will help us and Yoga lead us to connect with her. Eucalyptus leaves are known for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory antibacterial properties and is recommended for asthmatic patients. It can be used as aromatherapy or rubbing eucalyptus essential oil (other oil-reduced), on chest and back of the person, helps to improve breathing and reduce inflammation.
Yoga has purification techniques (kriyas) to keep the body clean and healthy. These purification techniques are cleansing routines to help the body eliminate toxins, and to operate as a suitable instrument for the expression of vital energy. The yogic nasal cleansing (Jala Neti) is one of these techniques known for millennia and is used to clean nasal cavities. This technique is very simple, practical, safe and useful for Westerners, allowing an increased breathing capacity (quantity and quality), helping to prevent and improve many types of disorders such as allergies, nasal congestion, colds, asthma, sinusitis , chronic nasal blockage, mouth breathing, clean the accumulated smog and ultimately feel the fresh air and pure connecting with breathing and increasing vital energy throughout the body. Practice of Jala Neti will contribute in alleviating mental stress and headaches. A regular practice of Jala Neti helps to balance temperature and humidity conditions that the nose needs to function properly. Undoubtedly, Jala Neti is the most effective, economical and simple way to prevent and treat a number of disorders that are originated in the respiratory system. Consists of passing through the nostrils a saline solution of warm water. In the process, mucus and bacteria are carried away by the generous flow of water. .jpg)
Yoga means union and teaches us how to connect with our inner selves and with nature. Those ones who have the privileged to live by the ocean, we have available a source of life and health! Walking down the sea side and with sea water up to the ankles or knees, is an exercise that reactivates blood circulation, eliminating the feeling of heaviness in the legs, relaxes muscles and strengthens the foot and ankle muscles and reduces stress. The ocean breeze is a gift of energy for our body. It stimulates our vitality, helping also to relax our body and mind. The air and molecules of water suspended on it are rich in ozone and iodine, so it is suitable for those who suffer from asthma, allergies or chronic migraines. It also has antibiotic properties. Perform sun salutations on the sunset by the ocean unifies our beings with mother nature and provides us a healthier life.
Wishing you the best of Health and Joy in your Life.
Amalia Shakti
