Asthma is a breathing disorder of respiratory system. Hence, poor breathing methods aggravate the asthma symptoms. Breathing exercises manipulate breathing pattern and includes relaxation sessions, deep breathing and other exercises. This is a simple self control method for asthmatics, if done properly and regularly.
Breathing exercises importance is not practiced properly in asthma treatment. Patients themselves can do these exercises with a minimal amount of energy and perseverance. Patient can acquire control on respiratory muscles and hence, improves the condition to great extent.
Breathing exercises aims at:
- Getting back to automatic and natural diaphragmatic breathing and not the thoracic breathing.
- Increases chest wall flexibility and relaxes the accompanying muscles of respiratory system.
- Especially concentrating on exhalation.
- Correcting other problems associated with chronic asthma.
TYPES OF BREATHING EXERCISES:
- Pranayama: This is a breathing exercise in yoga. Studies revealed that this is a powerful therapy for asthma. This is widely used as it reduces intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. This also decreases usage of medications. Consistent practice increases airflow into lungs, stamina, air capacity and efficiency.
Pranayama helps to develop a relaxed and controlled breath that prevents and reduces asthma attacks. There is an enormous profit, if proper posture is practiced.
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Buteyko: This is a Russian technique of breathing exercise for asthmatics. This links hyperventilation to asthma and based on normalise breathing techniques. This reverses the symptoms and reduces medications usage. This is easy and simple to follow.
Buteyko does not have any side effects. This does not require increase in medicine doses. This technique removes all the asthma symptoms.
Benefits of Buteyko:
- Breathe easily and also sleep well
- Unblocks nose without any nasal sprays
- Prevents asthma attacks
- Reduces allergy symptoms
- To survive without asthma drugs
