| Did you know that breathing exercises could work as | | | | -PRANAYAMA |
| alternative asthma treatments? Several exercises | | | | Pranayama refers to the breathing exercises used |
| were found to be effective in reducing the symptoms | | | | during yoga. Studies show that constant practice of |
| of asthma and it could also contribute to a lower dose | | | | yoga postures and breathing techniques helped |
| of medication. | | | | increase the airflow in the lungs and improve air |
| What is asthma in the first place? Asthma is a chronic | | | | capacity which led to a reduction both in the frequency |
| lung condition that causes difficulty in breathing. When | | | | and intensity of the asthma attacks. There was also a |
| left untreated, asthma can be fatal. It is important for | | | | lesser need for medications. |
| asthma to be properly diagnosed by a doctor and its | | | | There are basically 8 types of pranayama and which |
| treatment needs to be supervised. Medications like | | | | exercise to be done is based on what triggered the |
| bronchodilators are often given to asthma patients to | | | | asthma attack. For example, ujjayi pranayama is done |
| relieve symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and | | | | for asthma triggered by cold air while shitali |
| shortness of breath but natural alternative asthma | | | | pranayama is for asthma triggered by allergies. |
| treatments can also be a big help. | | | | Exercises should always be done under the |
| There are actually many alternative asthma | | | | supervision of a yoga therapist. |
| treatments available. These include diet modification, | | | | -BUTEYKO |
| acupuncture, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, | | | | Another exercise is the Buteyko technique. It helps |
| vitamin and mineral supplementation, and herbal | | | | regulate breathing patterns to avoid hyperventilation |
| remedies. Breathing exercises are among the | | | | during asthma attacks. Advice is also given about |
| alternative asthma treatments that are considered | | | | reducing stress, proper nutrition, medication, and general |
| both safe and effective. | | | | health. Buteyko technique is known to reduce asthma |
| In asthma, patients experience difficulty in breathing. | | | | attacks, make breathing easier, and make one less |
| This exercises are aimed to relax the chest muscles | | | | dependent on medications. |
| and to teach the right way of breathing, focusing more | | | | -PAPWORTH |
| on the abdomen and the diaphragm rather than on the | | | | Another breathing exercise is the Papworth method. It |
| muscles of the chest. It also helps asthma patients | | | | emphasizes the importance of using nose breathing as |
| focus more on breathing out or exhalation especially at | | | | well as development of breathing patterns adaptable |
| the onset of an attack. | | | | to one's current activity. It also involves diaphragmatic |
| Here are three examples of breathing exercises that | | | | breathing and relaxation techniques. |
| may be used by asthmatic patients. | | | | |