Yoga Exercises For Lungs

The numerous yoga breathing exercises (pranayama) not only build lung strength but also help to improve your mood by relieving you from stress and optimizing the oxygen-enriched flow of blood.

Yoga exercises teach us the correct way of breathing. The slower you breathe, the more efficiently your respiratory system will work and you will have more energy. Following yoga exercise are recommended by yoga experts to expand your lung capacity.

Tips For Yoga Exercise

Shashankasana (Hare pose)

Sit down with your legs crossed. Raise your hands over your head and inhale. Slowly bring your head towards the floor and exhale. Hold this position for few seconds and continue breathing normally. Use a cushion on the floor if you are a beginner. Increase the duration gradually over weeks.

This exercise will increase your breathing power by strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles, which support the muscles that enhance our breath. This yoga posture also helps to relieve stress which often triggers breathing woes. If you are suffering from high blood pressure or any type of heart disease or back ache, try this pose only after consulting a yoga expert.

Pranamasana (Prayer pose)

Kneel down on the floor with your knees touching the floor, just as people do while performing namaz. Inhale and exhale while leaning your head forward and head touching the floor; place the palms on either side of your head on the floor. If possible try to hold your ankles with your hands. Slowly lift your head and return to the original position. This posture is beneficial for asthma patients. This yoga pose also helps to manage stress. But do not practice this if you have neck pain.

Abdominal Breathing (Pranayama)

Abdominal breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, is a yoga exercise (pranyam) that is practiced to clear the lungs by improving blood flow of the lymph. The diaphragm is a large muscle, located between the abdomen and the chest.  Abdominal breathing technique also prevents lungs and other tissues from getting infected.

This breathing exercise also reduces stress and provides the body an overall sense of wellbeing. Lie down on your back or sit straight, fold your knees and place one hand on your abdomen and the other hand on your chest.

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Relax and take a deep breath and allow your abdomen to expand. The hand on your abdomen should rise higher than the one on your chest. Slowly exhale through the mouth and allow the abdomen to deflate. Repeat this process several times to improve your cardiac health.

Cobra Pose (Bhugangasana)

This yoga pose will help to strengthen your lungs. This exercise is highly beneficial for asthma patients. Lie on your belly and allow your head to rest on your arms. Now slowly stretch your arms backwards and raise your head while resting your body weight on your chest.

Raise your chest few inches above the floor and pull back your shoulders towards the hip. Bear your body weight with your arms, keeping the top of the feet and legs on the floor. Move your chest upwards, first holding your breath and then releasing.

Alternate-Nostril Breathing (NadiShodhana)

Alternate nostril breathing helps in refining the breath and brings balance between the body and mind. Close one nostril with your thumb and take breaths using the other nostril. First exhale and then inhale through your left nostril and do the same with right nostril. Continue doing this at least ten times. Learn yoga breathing exercise from a professional yoga instructor. Also talk to him, if you have any health issues.