Spring is a season that the vast population of allergic people loves and fears: the days are long and often sunny, nature awakens, temperatures soften. However, it is also the peak period of seasonal allergies linked to plant pollens which, in the most serious cases, can lead to asthma crises of varying severity.
Since the last century scholars have investigated the possibilities that yoga offers to manage asthma in addition to traditional therapies. The first clinical trial in this regard dates back to 1967, was conducted in India by dr. Mukund Bohle and gave encouraging results.
To close the circle, we cite a recent study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine which shows how a large portion of asthmatic participants recorded positive results by introducing yoga into their lives, especially regarding the frequency and intensity of acute episodes.
The importance of breathing
The first element that links yoga and asthma is the centrality of the respiratory act . The breath in yoga represents the alpha and the omega, that invisible thread that unites our physical, psychic and energy body.
Targeted exercises in pranayama (breath control) can bring great benefits: a new education in breathing is one of the first things that amazes the neophytes of yoga.
Learning to breathe with your nose, deeply, slowly, involving the diaphragm and in the right posture will benefit those who suffer from asthma.
Furthermore, during these exercises you are invited to pay close attention to what you are doing, to do them, that is, in full awareness. This mental attitude is very useful to regain confidence with one's own breath, which one is often totally unaware of. Experimenting with one's own dysfunctions (breathing more frequently and in a more superficial way, tendency to hold one's breath or breathe open-mouthed, etc.) and the limits that derive from them is the first step to solve them.
Dr. explains Jonathan Field director of the Allergy and Asthma Clinic at the New York School of Medicine: " Yoga improves awareness of breathing so that it is possible to identify in advance when breathing is not at regular levels and act promptly ".
It is also possible to use essential oils with an expectorant function that help promote proper oxygenation.
Learn more about the benefits of yoga for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
Some position to try in case of asthma
In addition to pranayama, yoga can help with relaxation and asana . Regarding the first element, practicing savasana (position of the corpse) helps to become aware of the breath and facilitate abdominal breathing which will also benefit psycho-emotional level, giving calm and serenity.
Regarding postures, upside down positions are generally recommended because the diaphragm moves along with gravity and not against it (as it usually does when standing). If you are not able to assume the position on the head, you can try with the position of the candle or viparita karani, both also using supports in case of need.
Backward bending is also recommended because it involves the lungs and activates the entire respiratory system. They improve the expansion of the chest, the supply of oxygen and the elimination of impurities from the respiratory organs.
The most well-known positions that go in this direction are: the position of the camel, the position of the fish, the position of the arch, the position of the bridge, the position of the cobra .
