YOGA THERAPY FOR ASTHMA AND OTHER LUNG DISEASES
Chronic stress, decreased immunity, physical inactivity and improper breathing cause respiratory diseases. Our experience shows that the system of yoga techniques has a positive influence on all respiratory functions and it prevents asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Positive effects on respiratory reeducation:
• Awareness and control over breathing. The passive way of breathing becomes conscious; deep inhalation and exhalation are controlled, according to the need of the individual
• Rational and quality hygiene of the respiratory tracts, that makes them more porous
• Revitalization and better usage of the respiratory musculature (diaphragm, intercostal and abdominal muscles)
• Increased elasticity of the lung tissue, which results in a more rational usage of it
The positive results of yoga-techniques have been verified clinically on many yoga practitioners.
Asthma and other lung diseases are one of the most current social and medical problems of the modern world. Contemporary medicine makes constant efforts to decrease the morbidity and mortality of these diseases.
The experiences of the Yoga Federation of Macedonia achieved in this area, in cooperation with several health institutions, are of special importance. The research showed that applying the system of yoga techniques has a positive influence on all the respiratory functions. The system is a way of primary prevention of asthma and other chronic lung diseases.
Improper usage of the breathing organs and lack of respiratory education, combined with other etiological factors (physical inactivity, insufficient respiratory hygiene, improper body posture, chronic stress, decreased immunity) are important factors in the manifestation of ventilation and respiratory insufficiencies.
Respiration is one of the basic factors for a healthy and natural way of living, but still isn’t treated with adequate attention.
The yoga program for integral reeducation of all elements involved in respiration enables:
• Awareness and control over breathing
• Rational and quality hygiene of the respiratory tracts, which makes them more porous
• Revitalization and better usage of the respiratory musculature (diaphragm, intercostal and abdominal muscles)
• Improved body posture, which provides undisrupted respiratory movements
• Increased elasticity of the lung tissue, which enables it’s more rational usage
Applying yoga techniques enables complete primary prevention because:
• It is a proven, organized and gradual breathing education method
• One is reeducated to learn and realize his/hers breathing potentials, which improves the quality of breathing
• Instead of being automatic, breathing becomes conscious; deep inhalation and exhalation are controlled, according to the need of the individual
• Active breathing has a positive influence on the “neighboring” organs: abdominal breathing massages the abdominal organs and improves peristalsis; thoracic breathing massages the heart and the big blood vessels around it and the esophagus.
• The awareness of one’s lifestyle increases as well as the responsibility for improving one’s health and life.
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