How Can Yoga Help Asthma?
Preliminary studies investigating yoga and breath work for treating asthma have been promising. Several randomized controlled trials have shown a benefit from yoga postures and breathing. Yoga may reduce asthma symptoms, increase exercise tolerance and decrease the use of asthma medications. Research suggests that yoga might: • Improve mood and sense of well-being • Counteract stress • Increase lung capacity • Improve muscle relaxation • Help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia • Improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some asthmatics control breathing and reduce stress, a common asthma trigger. Breathing techniques and improved control of breathing by yoga may contribute to the control of asthma symptoms in some people. Breathing exercises emphasized in yoga have the potential to improve lung function and quality of life in persons with asthma. In addition to general relaxation and reduc
