Yogic Management of Asthma. How can yoga and the associated practices and lifestyle changes help alleviate asthma?

1. Yogic Management of Asthma
Yoga and Health
FYM 204
MA Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences Candidates
February 24, 2015
Ritesh M. Sheth

2. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
What is Asthma?
• Asthma - a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm
in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is
usually connected to allergic reaction or other forms of
hypersensitivity.
– A chronic inflammatory condition where the airways develop increased
responsiveness to various stimuli like:
› A specific allergen
› Cold air
› Smog
› Dust
› Pollen
– Symptoms of asthma may be mild or life threatening and can usually be
controlled with the combination of drugs and lifestyle
Sri Sri University 2

3. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
What is Yogic Therapy
• Ancient yoga techniques can be employed in the treatment
and management of physiological and psychosomatic
disorders
• Yoga therapy can be effective when used with traditional
medicine
– By tailoring yoga practices to individual needs
– Taking medical consideration into account
– Yoga therapy is more effective than general yoga practice
– Safe means of treating medical conditions
– Applies equal focus on mind, body and spirit
– Avoids judgment and communicates the form and essence of yoga
Sri Sri University 3

4. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Medical Treatment of Asthma
• Allopathic Medical Treatments:
– Broncho-dilators
– Decongestants
– Anti-inflammatory
– Locally active substances
• Not recommended to stop allopathic treatments immediately
• May be safer to do so over time and with approval of one of
the following physicians:
– Allopathic
– Ayurvedic
– Homeopathic
– Naturopathic
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5. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Diet and Fasting
• Overeating
• Aids to Digestion
• Constipation
• Fasting
• The Integrated Diet
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6. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Overpowering Asthma with Yoga
• Basic breathing techniques and yoga postures can help you
counter asthma more effectively:
– 1. Deep yogic breaths use our lungs to its maximum capacity and also
help us to learn breathing correctly
– 2. Nadi Shodhan pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing technique)
– 3. Kapala Bhati pranayama (Skull shining breathing technique)
– 4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist)
– 5. Pavanamuktasana (Wind relieving pose)
– 6. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)
– 7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
– 8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)
– 9. Badhakonasana (Butterfly pose)
– 10. Poorvottanasana (Upward plank pose)
– 11. Shavasana (Corpse pose)
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7. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Practice Programs
• Immediate Practice if acute asthma attack:
– Option 1:
› Sitting on a chair
› Bend over so that elbows are on knees
› Chin can rest in palms of hands or hands placed between knees
› Relax the shoulders, chest, and whole body
› Relax into position and feel breath freeing up
– Option 2:
› Pranamasana (bow pose) with hands by head
› Shashankasana (Shishu Asana / Child’s Pose)
– Option 3:
› Controlled breathing with:
– 5 inhale counts
– 5 retention counts
– 5 exhalation counts
Sri Sri University 7

8. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Complimentary Therapy
Psychological Methods
1. Psychotherapy
2. Behavior therapy
3. Hypnotherapy
Stabilizing the Vital Energy
1. Homeopathy
2. Ayurveda
3. Acupuncture
4. Magneto Therapy
Sri Sri University 8

9. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Yoga Therapy
• Total correction of the bodily disturbances is brought
about by correcting the disturbances at the emotional,
psychological, and vital energy levels
• Psychological Level
– method to turn the mind inwards and achieve deep awareness of
functions of internal organs
• Vital Energy Level
– Imbalance, blockage in the flow of prana in the Nadis causes disease.
Pranayama corrects the disturbances in the flow of these energies that
make all organs function efficiently
• Body Level
– The deep relaxation reduces the element of panic during an attack so
that one can direct their mind inwards to relax their bronchus
Sri Sri University 9

10. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Integrated Approach
• Annamaya Kosha
– Neti, Jal Neti, Kapalbhati, Agnisara, Vaman Dhouti
– Benefits
• Pranamaya Kosha
– Random agitation in pranic flows at Pranamaya Kosha can be corrected by
pranayama practice and kriyas.
• Manomaya Kosha
– Devotional session containing prayers, chants, bhajans, namavali, dhuns,
stotras etc.
• Vijnanamaya Kosha
– Knowledge burns the strong attachments, obsessions, likes and dislikes which
are the basic reasons for the agitations of mind
• Anandamaya kosha
– The Happiness Analysis – Ananda Mimasa
– Happiness is within and ‘each one of us’ in our casual state is ‘Ananda’
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11. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Other Treatments
• Coffee
• Herbs
• Massage
• Sauna
• Ayurveda
• Homeopathy
• Biochemical Salt Treatment
• Speleotherapy
• Auto-urine therapy
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12. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
The Path to Health
• Be Aware
• Don’t worry
• Apply yogic therapy immediately
• Change Habits
• Feel Better – begin linking the mind, body, and breath
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13. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Appendix
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14. MA Yoga Naturopathy 2014 - 2016
Yogic Treatment
• Kunjal
• Jala Neti
• Vastra Dhauti
• Shankhaprakshalana
• Asanas
• Pranayamas
• Relaxation
Sri Sri University 14