A woman practising the Viparita Karani pose. Photo: Victor Koldunov/Alamy Stock Photo

Dr Deepashree MR, Wellness Advisor at Atmantan Wellness Centre, shares a yoga asana that helped her mother heal from allergic bronchitis, for the fifth day of our series, #21DaysOfYoga. Ahead of International Yoga Day on 21 June, as many of us continue to stay indoors to help curb the pandemic, this series shares wisdom from the experts to help build a better yoga practice for all. Atmantan Wellness Centre is a 42-acre hillside resort near Mumbai, with practitioners from ayurveda doctors to pranic healers, yoga teachers and massage therapists to help foster healing. Read Dr Deepashrees story below.

My journey with yoga started in school but I actually got to know its healing benefits when my mother, then 37, was diagnosed with allergic bronchitis and slipped disc. A regular yoga practice under professional guidance cured her completely. Id like to share how yoga and pranayama helped my mother recover from allergic bronchitis and stop using an inhaler and medications.

People with allergic bronchitis often cough a lot and have trouble breathing. The condition is triggered by allergens such as air pollution, chemical fumes, pollen, mold, dust, pet dander and food additives. Theres an inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tubes that carry air into your lungs; your airways also produce excess mucus, making it harder to breathe. The therapeutic approach of yoga asanas and breathing techniques played an important role, with its focus on becoming aware of ones body and breathing patterns.

Here are 5 asanas and 3 breathing techniques that help open up the respiratory tract, and improve lung capacity. Please check the contraindications before you practise.

Note: People with back and spine problems, heart disease and blood pressure are recommended to practise these asanas under professional guidance.

The steps:

Benefits: Viparita Karani improves blood circulation and reduces irritation in the bronchial tree

The steps:

Benefits: Halasana stimulates the thyroid glands and clears a stuffy nose

The steps:

Benefits:The whole spine is stretched and this pose expands the lungs

The steps:

Benefits:It massages the posterior lobes of the lungs and stimulates the abdominal organs

The steps:

Benefits:Helps in correcting your posture,improves your balanceand regulates your respiratory functions.

Benefits: Uses all the lobes of the lungs and helps to ease the breathing cycle

A practice to purify and balance the energies at the physical, mental and emotional levels.

Benefits: Nadi shodhana ensures that the whole body is nourished by an extra supply of oxygen. Carbon dioxide is efficiently expelled and the blood is purified. It clears pranic blockages and balances the ida and pingala nadis, causing the sushumna nadi to flow, which leads to deep states of meditation and spiritual awakening.

The steps:

Benefits: Ujjayi balances the cardio-respiratory system, helping carry oxygen to your muscles and organs and removing waste. It helps diminish pain from headaches, relief from sinus pressure, decrease in phlegm, and the strengthening of the nervous and digestive systems.

See original here:
21 Days of Yoga: yoga techniques that will help you with bronchitis - Cond Nast Traveller India