Yoga, originally practiced in India and other areas throughout the East, has become a common form of fitness in the West. However, there is more to yoga than just stretching or chanting mantras. Certain yoga practices, such as yogic breathing exercises, may even provide a viable alternative treatment for many common medical problems such as asthma.
What is Yoga?
Yoga practice dates back more than 5,000 years. It is part of an ancient system of medicine from India called Ayurveda (meaning life science). Although some associate yoga with Hinduism, it is not a religious discipline, but a philosophy and way of life that encompasses proper diet, breathing exercises, ethical living, meditation and regular physical exercise. Initially practiced in the West as a form of physical fitness, many modern yogis now recognize the benefits of yoga extend beyond strength and flexibility.
Most yoga styles stem from the traditional, hatha yoga, which includes: asana practice (yoga poses), breathing exercises, controlling the senses and devotion through meditation. Yoga means to yoke or unite. "Ha" means sun and "tha" means moon. The term Hatha Yoga, therefore, implies achieving balance or harmony, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Asthma sufferers may be most interested in pranayama, or breathing exercises at first, but will find other yogic practices beneficial as well.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga, and specifically pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), help to relieve tension and relax the muscles. This can be especially beneficial to asthma sufferers. Although some yogic breathing techniques may provide immediate relaxation, it will take time to strengthen the lungs and provide lasting relief for those with asthma. Yoga Journal describes a few of the breathing exercises, such as kapalabhati (the cleansing breath), Ujjayi (ocean breath), Kumbhaka (breath retention), and Mrigi Mudra (alternate nostril breathing), all of which help to open the airways and increase lung capacity.
Current Research: Yoga and Asthma
Recent research in the area of yoga and asthma provides some remarkable findings. In one study of yogic training on patients with asthma, published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in April 2009, researchers found that yogic breathing exercises used in conjunction with standard medication significantly improve pulmonary function in patients with bronchial asthma. Another study of children with asthma found in the Chinese Journal of Nursing from April 2009, showed that yoga exercises not only significantly improved flexibility and strength, but cardiopulmonary function in as little as seven weeks.
Precautions
Yoga is a holistic approach to healthcare. "Holistic" means to address the person as a whole, rather than simply treating a set of symptoms. However, holistic methods should be used in conjunction with, and not in place of, traditional medical care. Never discontinue asthma or other medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.
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