10 ways Yoga can improve your lung capacity, ease symptoms of respiratory conditions
Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Incorporating Yoga into your regular fitness routine can enhance lung function, reduce respiratory symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here's how
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Yoga offers several benefits for improving lung capacity and easing symptoms of respiratory conditions. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, “Yoga offers a holistic approach to improving lung capacity and managing respiratory conditions by combining breathing techniques, strengthening exercises, stress reduction and mindful movement. By incorporating Yoga into a regular routine, individuals can experience enhanced respiratory function, reduced symptoms, and improved overall well-being.” He elaborated here's how:(Instagram/mindfulbyminna)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
1. Breathing Techniques (Pranayama): Pranayama focuses on breath control and can significantly enhance lung function. Techniques like deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and alternate nostril breathing can expand lung capacity, increase oxygen intake, and improve respiratory efficiency.(File Photo)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
2. Strengthening Respiratory Muscles: Yoga poses (asanas) such as Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), and Fish Pose (Matsyasana) engage and strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Stronger respiratory muscles enhance lung capacity and efficiency. (Photo by LittPro Inc on Unsplash)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
3. Improving Posture: Poor posture can restrict lung expansion and reduce respiratory function. Yoga helps correct posture imbalances by promoting alignment and awareness of body positioning. Poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana) and Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) encourage proper spinal alignment, allowing for better lung expansion and airflow. (Photo by creative market)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
4. Reducing Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate respiratory conditions and impair lung function. Yoga's emphasis on relaxation, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques like meditation and deep breathing can alleviate stress, enhance mental well-being, and improve overall respiratory health. (Photo by Amauri Mejía on Unsplash)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
5. Enhancing Lung Flexibility: Certain yoga poses involve stretching and expanding the chest and ribcage, which can enhance lung flexibility and capacity. Poses like Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), and Cow Pose (Bitilasana) encourage deep inhalation and full expansion of the lungs. (Unsplash)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
6. Increasing Oxygen Circulation: Yoga practices that emphasize controlled breathing and mindful movement improve oxygen circulation throughout the body. This enhanced oxygenation supports overall respiratory health, boosts energy levels, and reduces symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (Photo by wee lee on Unsplash)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
7. Promoting Relaxation Response: Yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the body's relaxation response. This relaxation response can help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory conditions such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. (Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
8. Boosting Immune Function: Regular yoga practice has been shown to strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and illnesses. By enhancing immune function, yoga can help prevent exacerbations of respiratory conditions and promote faster recovery from respiratory-related ailments. (Pexels)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST
9. Improving Lung Efficiency: Yoga encourages mindful breathing techniques that optimize lung function and efficiency. By practicing conscious breathing patterns, individuals can improve their respiratory rate, tidal volume, and overall lung ventilation, leading to better oxygen exchange and carbon dioxide elimination. (Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels)
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Published on Mar 17, 2024 07:00 AM IST