During an asthma attack you can have difficulty catching your breath. In fact, at times it can feel like you are suffocating.
Asthma comes from the Greek word for “panting.” If you have had an asthma attack, you know just how uncomfortable the feeling is.
Asthma is a life-long lung disease that causes inflammation in the airways of the lungs. It causes the lungs to be overly sensitive.
During an asthma attack the airways that lead into the lungs become smaller and narrower. This makes it hard to allow air to pass into the lungs. The muscles in the airways constrict and make the airways even smaller.
Finally, any particles in the air cause mucous cells to secrete mucus which also blocks the airways, preventing air movement into the lungs.
The combination of all this creates tightness and constriction in the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
The most common treatment for asthma is using an inhaler, which provides temporary relief for asthma symptoms, especially in the early moments of an attack. It is easy for an inhaler to be overused.
People used to use inhalers round the clock, but this has been determined to be harmful. Only use them as needed along with any other regular treatments or medications, according to current recommendations.(3)
Doing yoga may be a way to reduce the need for those inhalers as you practice methods that help strengthen your lungs, improve your breathing and induce relaxation to help avoid asthma attacks.
People look towards yoga to help with breathing exercises. When you have asthma it is important to realize that retraining your breathing can affect breathing problems too.
If you are interested in trying breathing techniques you have to start slowly and build up over time. This is the best way to use these breathing techniques. If you feel uncomfortable stop the exercises and rest.
Barbara Benagh, a yoga instructor and former asthmatic recommends these five exercises.
Exercise 1: Deep Relaxation Breathing
Lie down and practice belly breathing, checking in with how you are feeling.
Exercise 2: The Wave
Now that you feel relaxed, place your hands at your side, and begin to relax your back into the floor as you exhale. Lift up your chest a few inches as you inhale.
Exercise 3: Soften the Inhalation
Now you will shorten your inhale while keeping your exhale the same length. Your goal is to shorten your inhale to half the time of your exhale.
Exercise 4: Complete Diaphragmatic Exhalations
Lie down with your arms at your sides. Start your exhalation by pursing your lips and blow the breath out in a steady stream.
When you get to the end of the exhalation, pause for a few seconds before inhaling. Breathe in through your nose.
Continue to repeat, making your exhales twice as long as your inhale.
Exercise 5: Extend Pause
Lie on your back, bending your knees with your feet on the floor.
Pause before you inhale. Then inhale one to two seconds and exhale twice as long.
Pause again. Let the pause be as long as comfortable before starting over.
These yoga breathing exercises are designed to help your lungs become stronger over time and with daily practice. They may help your asthma attacks. It is not a substitute for your current treatment. Instead, it is an adjunct therapy.
Over a six-month period of time you could see better breathing! Try it and let us know if it works for you.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.com
Reviewed May 25, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith