Managing Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Explained | Detailed Asthma Examination | Dr. Hansaji

Asthma is a respiratory condition that makes it hard to breathe. When someone has an asthma attack, their airways become narrow and swollen, which makes it difficult for air to get in and out of their lungs. This can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and feeling short of breath. But don't worry, there are some yogic techniques that can help manage asthma.

Managing Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Explained 

There are four important lifestyle pillars for managing asthma: 

1. ahar (eating the right food), 
2. achar (following daily routines), 
3. vichar (having the right way of thinking).

Let's start by understanding the common causes and risk factors of asthma. Asthma can be caused by things like inflammation, allergens (like pollen or dust), cold air, air pollution, and exposure to fumes and chemicals. Some people are more likely to develop asthma because of factors like genetics, eczema, being overweight, smoking, and being exposed to second-hand smoke or pollution.

Emotional stress and suppression can also trigger asthma attacks. People with respiratory problems often find it hard to express their emotions, and this can affect their lungs. So, it's important to have balanced emotional well-being.

Ahar (diet)

Now, let's talk about the first pillar of yogic management: ahar, which means eating the right food. For asthma patients, it's important to eat healthy and avoid certain foods. Some foods that are good for asthma are satvic food (like fruits and vegetables) and citrus fruits. Drinking warm water throughout the day helps keep the body hydrated and makes it easier to remove mucus from the lungs. Eating small, frequent meals helps the lungs work better. It's also important to eat freshly cooked food and include curd (yogurt) in the diet. Dinner should be the lightest meal and eaten early in the evening to prevent acid reflux, which can trigger asthma. Avoiding gas-forming foods in the evening is also helpful. Skimmed milk and herbal tea made with lemongrass, ginger, and mint are good substitutes for regular tea. Foods rich in potassium, like bananas, are important for lung function. On the other hand, it's best to avoid stale food, high-carbohydrate foods, oily food, pickles, chocolate, shellfish, and cold drinks. If you do have any of these foods once in a while, drink warm water with them to help your throat.

Achar

The second pillar, achar, is about rest and recreation. Having hobbies like singing, playing a musical instrument, or swimming can bring joy and also exercise the respiratory muscles. It's important to have a positive mindset and focus on tasks at hand. During an asthma attack, it's best to sit upright and relax, rather than lying down. Walking daily for 30 minutes can also be beneficial, but it's important to choose the right weather for outdoor activities. Cultivating a relaxed attitude towards life can also help manage asthma.

Vichar

The third pillar, vichar, focuses on establishing the right routine. It's important to pay attention to your body's signals and take care of yourself when you feel weak or have nasal congestion or wheezing. During an asthma attack, sitting in a comfortable position and practicing specific breathing exercises can help. Using a hot water bag on the abdomen and throat can also provide relief. It's important to have an action plan and keep your inhaler handy in case you continue to feel wheezy.

Techniques that are beneficial for asthma

Now, let's explore some yogic techniques that are beneficial for asthma. Certain yoga poses like sarvangasana (shoulder stand), hastapadasana (forward bend), and ustrasana (camel pose) can help improve breathing and release congestion in the lungs. Pranayama exercises like long exhalation, brahmari (humming bee breath), and yogendra pranayama can strengthen the breathing muscles and increase lung capacity. Kriyas like jalneti (nasal cleansing) and kapalbhati (breathing technique) can help clean the respiratory passages and improve circulation. It's also important to take care of hygiene by taking sun rays on the face, keeping the head and feet warm, and avoiding triggers like direct breeze or air after a head bath.

Important 

The last pillar focuses on thought processes. It's important to address suppressed emotions and maintain emotional balance. Accepting others as they are and practicing positive thinking can be helpful. Yogic practices like prati paksha bhavana (cultivating positive thoughts) and anitya bhavana (understanding the impermanence of things) can also be beneficial.

Conclusion

Remember, yoga is not just about managing asthma attacks, but also about preventing them in the future. By addressing the root causes and practicing yogic techniques, you can take control of your health and manage asthma effectively.

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