The latest buzz in complementary therapies for asthma is yoga.
More and more asthma sufferers are rediscovering this ancient Indian healing art, which supports the body’s natural detoxification process and boosts immunity to, for example, allergens that may be responsible for triggering asthma attacks.
Certain yoga poses are especially beneficial for toning and expanding the chest and lungs.
Combining these poses with correct yogic breathing exercises (Pranayama) increases the benefits of these poses for the respiratory system.
The Camel Pose (Ustrasana) stretches the chest and helps your body to expand, tone, and relax the airways. This pose also stretches the stomach and abdominal muscles, giving your digestive system an extra boost so it can eliminate toxins (the build up of which may also be contributing to your asthma) from your system.
Editor’s tip : Eucalyptus oil is a great way to expand and clear the airways and also has purifying properties. Rubbing just a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in the palms of your hands and inhaling them prior to doing this pose could give your yoga practice that extra boost!
Visit the Yoga Journal for instructions on how to strike the pose. Click on the tip boxes for modifications with props and for beginners.
