Yoga is an ancient practice that has become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Yoga combines poses (called asanas) along with breathing exercises and meditation. People practice yoga to stay fit, flexible and grounded. But can a yoga practice help people with asthma?
The Quick Take
There is some evidence showing that yoga may help people with asthma have a better quality of life. But there just hasn’t been enough research to say if yoga can help relieve or manage asthma symptoms.
However we do know that yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are good ways to manage stress, which can be a trigger for a lot of people with asthma.
Want to know more? Read on…
More About Yoga, Meditation and Asthma
Everyday Health has a good article called, 6 Great Yoga Poses to Help With Asthma. In it, they talk a little about the link between asthma and stress as well as the research into yoga for asthma relief. They also introduce six simple yoga poses anyone can try.
They say: “Yoga can help increase breath and body awareness, slow your respiratory rate, and promote calm and relieve stress — all of which are beneficial for people who have asthma, says Judi Bar, certified yoga therapist and yoga program manager at Cleveland Clinic Wellness.”
→ Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting any type of new exercise, and be sure to continue using your medications as prescribed.
The article, When Asthma Gets Scary: Meditation and Relaxation Practices, at Healthgrades gives an overview of four different styles of meditation — including yoga — that can be used to relieve stress.
At Healthline they have information about 6 Breathing Exercises for Severe Asthma.
In, Learning to Breathe Again: An Asthmatics Guide To Retraining Breathing Patterns, Yoga Journal shares one woman’s very personal story about her experience with asthma and yoga. The story also includes some breath retraining tips and five different breathing exercises.
And finally, an article published by The Mayo Clinic, Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress, gives a great overview of meditation — what it is, what it does, how it can help and how you can easily incorporate it into your life.
If you have questions about your health, or you’re not feeling well, contact your healthcare provider by phone or visit their website to determine whether you should be seen in-person.
To be notified when our blog is updated with new information, Like our Facebook page.