ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

• Difficulty in breathing (especially when lying down, eases when you sit up)
• Chest congestion, irritation, uneasiness
• High frequency of common cold and coughs.

HANDY TIPS

• Keep carpets, mattresses, pillows free of dust
• Avoid keeping potted plants, flowers and other sources of moisture indoors
• Always try to breathe through your nose, not your mouth

Types of Yoga practices to combat asthma

1. Sit in sukhasana, i.e. with your eyes closed
2. Keep your back and neck straight
3. Keep both your hands at the knees in gyan mudra
4. Exhale some force through your nose so that your stomach goes in
5. Do not move your shoulders
6. Do not make an effort to inhale
7. Exhale forcefully 20–30 times, and relax

Benefits: This aasan helps eliminate toxins from the air passages, thus cleansing the body and the mind.
Caution: People with heart problems, high blood pressure or hernia should breathe out very slowly. This practice should be avoided in severe asthma conditions.

1. Stand erect with the heels together and put both your hands on your chest with the fingers interlocked
2. Now stretch out your arms in front of your chest, and slowly raise them while breathing in
3. Raise your heels and stand on the tip of your toes
4. Stretch your entire body upwards and stay in this position as long as you can
5. Then slowly unlock your fingers and bring your arms down to your sides and relax

Benefits: Along with asthma, this helps counter constipation, backaches and slip disc.

Picture Credit: Yogapoint.com

1. Lie on your back with your legs outstretched
2. Bend both your legs at the knees and bring them towards your chest
3. Exhale and pull your legs closer to your chest with your hands, interlocked
4. Now lift your head and try to touch your knee with your chin
5. Hold the position for as long as you can and breathe normally
6. Bring your head back to its normal position, unlock your hands and stretch your legs again

Benefits: Helps cure asthma and uterine disorders along with strengthening the lungs and the heart.
Caution: Those suffering from neck aches should not raise their heads.

Picture Credit: Dave Kennard