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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that constricts airway muscles resulting in shortness of
breath (SOB), wheezing or cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is a progressive
airflow limitation with abnormal lung response. Aside from breathing difficulties, both cause
unhappiness and suffering.
Yoga Breathing Studies
Prananyama is the Sanskrit term for controlled breathing or the technique of breathing. It is a focus
on awareness and control of breath. A 2006 study in the Indian Journal of Allergy and Asthma found
positive effects on patients with moderate to severe COPD. Lung parameters and lung functions
were measured, revealing reduced symptoms that coincided with improved well-being, less
depression and anxiety. Contrary to the panicked awareness of shortness of breath for the
asthmatic, coaxing the breath to a steady state and then observing the breathing is relaxing,
meditative, and eventually habit forming. Another study in Thorax International Journal of
Respiratory Medicine demonstrated that routine practice of breathing exercises lead to
improvement of respiratory function.
Pranayama Breathing Practice Technique
Sit in lotus. Lotus is an advanced position where both feet rest on the opposite thighs in a crosslegged position. The pose enables the spine to be straight and opens the chest that permits
abdominal breathing. Lungs pump breath in and out of the nostrils rapidly.
If unable to sit in lotus, sit "Indian" style, cross-legged.
Breath in and out normally.
With the next exhale, pull the abdomen in. It takes a few breaths before the pattern becomes natural
since it is the opposite of what so many do which is to puff up the chest and suck in the abdomen.
Deepen the intake taking it up to the thorax (chest). Reverse the movement with exhalation. That is,
start emptying the thorax on down to the abdomen.
Benefits of Prananyama
Prananyama is also called cleansing breath.
Releases muscle tension
Utilizes the entire respiratory apparatus Increases lung capacity over time
Decreases anxiety
Integrates the balance of mind and body