Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that makes the airway more sensitive to factors such as dust, pollen, cold air or mental stress. When exposed to irritants, the body may react by bronchospasm, inflammation of the airway mucosa and increased mucus secretion, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness.
According to Mr. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa (India), asthma reflects the sensitivity of the respiratory system to environmental factors as well as the state of stress inside the body. Over time, small changes in the environment can also significantly affect the patient's breathing rhythm.
In asthma treatment, modern medicine focuses on controlling symptoms and maintaining the stability of the respiratory system. Bronchial relaxants are often used to relax the airway muscles, while anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling and limit acute asthma attacks.
Besides medical treatment, yoga is considered a supportive method that can help improve the body's adaptability and balance. Instead of just focusing on respiratory symptoms, yoga aims to raise awareness of breathing, improve lung use, and help the body relax and become more stable.
In yoga, breathing is considered a bridge between the body and the mind. When breathing becomes slow, steady and controlled, the body tends to reach a better state of relaxation and balance.
Some pranayama exercises (breathing regulation techniques in yoga) can help practitioners improve breath control, support increased lung capacity and improve breathing rhythm over time. Practicing slowly and correctly also helps reduce stress and increase relaxation.
In addition, gentle yoga poses that help open the chest and improve body posture also create more space for the lungs to function more effectively. Relaxation exercises or meditation are also said to help reduce stress, a factor that easily worsens asthma symptoms.
However, patients need to understand that yoga is not a cure for asthma. Self-absorbing medication or relying solely on yoga exercises can make the disease difficult to control and increase the risk of acute asthma attacks.
Experts recommend that people with asthma should maintain treatment according to the doctor's instructions, while combining a healthy lifestyle such as appropriate exercise, avoiding exposure to allergens and maintaining a stable spirit.
When performed correctly and in accordance with physical condition, yoga can become a supportive method to help asthma patients improve their quality of life, increase breathing ability and maintain a better relaxed state.
