Yoga, the therapeutic science of ancient India has surest remedies for many ailments. The most heartening characteristic of Yoga is it is holistic in nature.It's believed that this method of therapy is 5000 years old.
Yoga treats the cause
Unlike mainstream medicines, which treat the symptoms, Yoga ensures the eradication of the cause of the ailment.This method, which is known as 'Holistic' therapy ensures complete treatment of the ailment. Simply put, the chances of recurrence of the ailment are remote.
What is Asthma
Asthma is related to Lungs. Asthma affects human lungs in such a way, that it not only narrows the airways, but also inflames them.
What are the Airways
Airways are tubes designed to carry air to your lungs and take air out of the lungs. An asthma patient during breathing makes a whistling sound, which is known as ‘Wheezing.’ The patient also feels, as if his chest is tightened. There will be incessant cough and the patient feels short of breath.
Yoga for Asthma, Asthmatics and Bronchitis
It has been proved time and again that, there are several effective and sure ways to cure Asthma through Yoga.
According to The sage Patanjali, Asthma is caused by a plethora of digestive imbalances which in turn result in digestive disorders. When the food we take is not properly digested, the undigested food becomes the source for toxic juices in the system. These toxic juices obstruct the respiratory tract. Then the inevitable follows. A state of breathlessness is created.
Yoga, has the potential to prevent asthma attack without using any drugs. When drugs are not in the picture, the question of side effects will not arise. So it goes without saying Yoga is the safest and most inexpensive way of treating even chronic asthma.
Sheershasana
Sheersh in Sanskrit means, Head. This is the head-stand position. Means, the performer of this asana will place his head down and legs up. The entire body weight will be resting on the elbows placed on the ground.
This asana which is known as ‘King of Asanas’, speaks of its importance in Patanjali’s ‘Yog Sutras.’ The other names with which Sheershasana is known are, ‘Kapaliasana’, and ‘Viparitakarini’.
Procedure.
Kneel on the floor and interlock the fingers of your hands and keep the clasped hands on the floor before you.Next step is to place your head on the clasped hands. Now the head is in between your elbows. And your clasped hands are around the head.After attaining this posture, raise your legs slowly. See that your heels are pointing upwards. Now, your head, neck , hips and legs will be straight and perpendicular to both your elbows placed on the ground.
Precautions
Perform this Asana in empty stomach. Depending on your availability of time, Sheershasana can be done two times a day. Utmost care has to be taken to see that during the entire process of Asana, there should not be any jerky movements.
While your body is standing on the head, do normal breathing.
A beginner finds it difficult to maintain the balance of the body. The body will be unstable. It’s but normal. In the initial days, the practitioner can take somebody’s help to hold the legs straight, until he gets proficiency and the ability to keep the body stable and in balance.. Another way is to take the help of a wall to act as a support to help maintain the stability of the body.
Sheershasana should not be practiced for longer duration during summer.
Before thinking of going for some snacks or fluids, wait for at least 10 minutes. It’s essential to take a cup of milk and light snacks after the stipulated waiting period.
Shavasana is mandatory after Sheershasana as it brings backs the normal breathing.
Benefits of Sheershasana :
It adds vitality and vigour to the body.
As this asana defies the force of gravitation, that is head down and feet up, a good supply of blood to the brain takes place.As a result, the brain functioning becomes more active than normal conditions.
This Asana acts like a Sanjeevani to all most all the human ailments. It promotes the functioning of the digestive system. Ailments related to eyes, nose, head and the throat are cured very effectively. A regular Yoga practitioner, especially a Sheershasana practitioner will never be a victim of Chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes.
A word of caution:
Seeing the enormous benefits this Asana offers, people out of over enthusiasm may over do this Sheershasana, which may prove counterproductive and at times disastrous.Yoga practitioners are advised to know their limits and play safe with Sheershasana.
Sarvangasana.
Sarvangasana is another Asana which is a sure cure for Asthma.
Sarvangasana is one of the highly regarded and highly effective Asana in Sage Patanjali’s, Yoga Sutra. As the very name suggests, the Asana involves all the organs of the body. Hence, Sarvangasana ( all organs of the body) with one single stroke puts all the organs of the body to work.
Most of the Asanas will involve a single or a couple of organs only at a particular given time. Sarvangasana, is unique in this respect as it involves not one or two, but all the organs. The performer, in this way will be the beneficiary of multiple advantages.
Procedure
Lie on your back on the Yoga mat spread over the floor. Stretch the body fully. Inhale. Slowly raise the legs together. It’s necessary for you to support to get the support for raising the legs by placing your hands on your hips. Starting with the legs, the hips and the trunk, in a slow but continuous movement, raise them, till the entire trunk becomes perpendicular to your head, neck and shoulders.
In this condition, there is a possibility for the trunk to become unsteady. But with practice, the trunk perfectly becomes straight and steady without any effort. Now, the weight of the entire body is taken by the shoulders.
After attaining this posture breathe normally. Look at the toes of your feet. Be in this position for 3 counts in the beginning. As you acquire proficiency, you should increase the count.
Then gradually without any jerky movement, bring the legs back to the ground.
Benefits:
The posture of this asana is so designed, during its entire duration of this the thyroid gland, which is in the lower part of the throat will be under pressure. This in turn makes it active.
A well functioning thyroid means, a well functioning of the entire body and its organs.
Sarvangasana, besides toning up the blood circulatory system, it tones up digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
A good supply of blood to all the roots of the spinal column.
The suppleness of the spinal column is well maintained, which in turn retains the youth look.
Kidney and bladder problems are totally eliminated.
Feet related disorders are strictly in control.
Sarvangasana is helpful for those who suffer from anemia and leprosy.
The functioning of the nose and the ears are improved.
Ovary related disorders are cured for those woman practitioners, who perform Sarvangasana regularly.
Bhujangasana.
This Asana derives its name from the Sanskrit word, 'Bhujanga' means cobra. The practitioner of this asana, looks like a a snake when it raises it rises its fully expanded hood.
Procedure.
Lie on the Yoga mat with your face down. Let there be no tension in the muscles.Place the palms on the floor. Now, without any jerk, slowly raise the head and correspondingly, the trunk, like a serpent that raises its head. While doing this ensure your spine is bent backwards. After this your toes automatically touch the ground. By the time you finish this operation, the muscles of your back and the shoulders are stretched.
In this position, hold the breath and the position for six to eight seconds.After this , exhale slowly and bring the position of the head to its original position. When lying on the ground, keep the chin touching your chest.Now its time to hold the breath till your head is stable in its raised posture. Now exhale slowly as much as you can.
Advantages of Bhujangasana.
Besides being an effective asana for curing Asthma, Bhujangasana effectively cures constipation, which is the most prevalent modern day ailments.
Bhujangasana is very useful for women who have menstruation disorders. A regular practice of Bhujangasana gives the practitioner, a shapely body, because it develops the chest, neck and spine.