When you hear about yoga, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its ability to calm the mind, improve flexibility, and promote well-being. But did you know that certain yoga poses have benefits beyond this?
What does this mean? Simply, if you have a certain condition, there are yoga poses that have the ability to address it or even alleviate the condition altogether. Today, we will focus on the concept of how yoga can help improve lung capacity and function.
For anyone looking to strengthen their respiratory system, especially with conditions like COVID or conditions caused by smoking and more, yoga offers a natural way to support lung health. Here, you will see five of the most effective poses and breathing techniques that can help you breathe easier.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Mountain Pose may seem simple, but it’s an excellent posture for aligning your body and encouraging deep breathing. This foundational yoga pose helps improve posture and allows the lungs to expand fully as you inhale.
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Ground your feet into the mat, engage your thighs, and lengthen your spine. Bring your palms together at your chest and take slow, deep breaths, focusing on expanding your chest with each inhale and gently contracting it on the exhale.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge Pose is not only great for opening up the chest and shoulders, but it also helps to stretch the lungs and increase oxygen intake. This backbend promotes healthy breathing patterns and strengthens the muscles around your diaphragm.
First, lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press your feet into the mat and lift your hips towards the ceiling, clasping your hands beneath your lower back. Hold for a few breaths, then gently release.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra Pose is an excellent heart-opener that stretches the chest, lungs, and abdomen. If you engage in this gentle backbend, you create more space in the thoracic region, making it easier to take deeper breaths.
Start by lying face down on your mat, with your hands placed under your shoulders. Inhale deeply, then press into your palms and lift your chest off the ground while keeping your elbows slightly bent. Hold for a few breaths before lowering down.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
Breathing exercises, or pranayama, are a vital part of improving lung function. Alternate Nostril Breathing helps balance the breath and calms the nervous system, which can help improve overall lung health by promoting better oxygen exchange.
Sit in a comfortable seated position with your spine straight. Use your right thumb to close off your right nostril and inhale through the left nostril. Then, close your left nostril with your right ring finger and exhale through the right nostril. Continue alternating for several minutes.
Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati Pranayama)
Breath of Fire is a dynamic breathing technique that strengthens the lungs and diaphragm by encouraging rapid, rhythmic breathing. This pranayama technique boosts lung capacity and improves circulation, making it a fantastic practice for respiratory health. It strengthens the lungs, clears the respiratory passages, and improves oxygen intake.
Sit with your spine straight and take a deep inhale. On the exhale, quickly contract your diaphragm to push air out in short, forceful bursts. Continue this rapid breathing for 30-60 seconds, followed by a few deep breaths to recover.
Takeaway
Trying out these yoga poses and breathing techniques will go a long way in improving lung function and overall respiratory health. Whether you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance, recover from a respiratory illness, or simply breathe more easily, yoga provides a holistic, natural approach to better lung health.
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