Asthma, a chronic lung condition, is associated with shortness of breath, leading to wheezing and suffocation. Breathing difficulties, like chest tightness, are commonly associated with underlying conditions like asthma. Individuals with asthma are prescribed to practice home remedies like yoga to find a cure.
Can Yoga Help with Asthma? Benefits & Poses Explained
Yoga for asthma won’t give instant relief, but with regular practice and consistency, the long-term impact is highly beneficial. Such Poses help you achieve the state of mindfulness and improve the flexibility of the body. Other effective results of yoga for asthma include breath management and lung cleansing. Gradually, you will observe that the severity of the symptoms is reduced.
Yoga is the first line of treatment to manage asthma, but a consistent practice can have a comprehensive effect. Often, by reducing stress, one can significantly reduce chest tightening and ensure deep breathing.
9 Yoga Poses For Asthma
Studies suggest that yoga for asthma has proven to be an effective complementary measure. In addition to existing treatment plans, yoga can help increase lung capacity.
Yoga for asthma encourages deep breathing and controls the inhalation and exhalation rate. Let us have a look at the following 9 yoga poses for asthma, which are beginner-friendly, and you can easily practice them at home.
1 Nadi Shodhan pranayama ( Alternate Nostril Breathing technique)
As you begin with Nadi Shodhan pranayama, the yoga pose helps to calm your mind and relieve the body from stress and accumulated air. The breathing technique is very useful to heal respiratory and circulatory ailments like asthma.
How to perform:
- First, you need to sit with your back straight so that the spine is erect.
- Now, place your left hand over the left knee and the palms facing the sky.
- Make sure that your index finger touches the tip of your thumb.
- At this point, place the tip of your thumb and middle finger of the right hand in the middle of your eyebrows.
- The ring finger and the little finger should be present on your left nostril, and the thumb on the right nostril. The little and ring finger is used to open and close the left nostril while the thumb rests on the right nostril.
- Breathe out gently through the left nostril.
- Now press in the opposite direction to breathe out from the right nostril.
- Repeat this step a few times and then use the alternate approach to breathe in through the right nostril and breathe out through the left nostril.
- Perform at least 10 to 15 rounds of this step.
2. Kapal Bhati
Kapal Bhati is a breathing technique which is highly effective in relaxing the mind and body. With regular practice, it helps to energise your nervous system. By clearing all the nadis( the energy channels in the body), one can improve their blood circulation too.
How to perform:
- Initially, you need to sit comfortably with your spine erect and back straight.
- Place your hands on both knees, and the palms facing upward
- The tips of the index fingers should touch the tips of the thumbs.
- Now take a deep breath to begin.
- As you exhale the air, pull your navel backwards towards the spine.
- The extent of pulling depends on the strength of your core. Do not force yourself through this posture, or you can end up hurting yourself.
- Place one of your palms on your stomach to feel the abdominal muscles stretch and contract.
- Perform at least 20 such breaths in each round to complete one cycle of Kapal Bhati.
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half-Spinal Twist)
In the Sitting Half Spinal Twist, the posture helps to open up the chest. This further supplies oxygen to the lungs. As a result, it reduces the probability of asthma and restrictions on the air passage.
How to perform:
- First, you need to sit with your legs crossed and allow your body to relax.
- Then straighten your legs in front and bend your right knee.
- Bring the heel of your right foot close to your left hip.
- At this point, you need to inhale and bend the left knee upward.
- Allow your left foot to be flat and placed on the right side of the right leg.
- Ankles should be touching the right thigh.
- As you turn your spine to the left, straighten the right arm and bring it around outside of the left knee.
- Grasp the left foot with your right hand.
- Make sure you turn your head as far as possible towards the left side and then bend the left arm around the back.
- While performing this yoga for asthma, make sure your spine, neck and head are aligned.
- Continue to exert some effort while turning to the left.
- Repeat the posture on the other side and reverse your directions around 2 to 6 times.
4. Pawanamuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose)
The Pawanamuktasana is a yoga posture which is good for individuals with acute asthma. Through swift massaging of the abdominal organs, the air is directed towards the lungs and circulated smoothly throughout the body.
How to perform:
- First, lie down on your back to place your feet together and your arms beside your body.
- Breath in and then exhale, followed by bringing your right knee towards your chest and then pressing it together.
- The thighs are pressed close to your abdominal region, and then the hands are clasped.
- Breath in again and then exhale out while lifting your head and chest off the floor.
- At this point, your chin should be resting on your right knee.
- Hold the pose and take a few deep breaths.
- When you are exhaling, tighten your grip first around your hands and knees. Increase the pressure gradually on the chest. With inhalation, you need to loosen your grip further.
- When you exhale, retreat to the ground and then relax gradually.
- Repeat the same posture with the left leg and then with both legs together.
- You can rock up and down and then roll from one side to another at least 3 to 5 times before you release and relax.
5. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Setu Bandhasana, or the Bridge Pose, helps to open up the chest and the lungs. An additional benefit of Setu Bandhasana is that it also effectively reduces thyroid issues in the body. Digestion and smooth alimentary canal function are further perks of Setu Bandhasana. Asthma patients performing Setu Bandhasana also show immense improvement.
How to perform:
- Initially, lie down on your back and relax your body.
- Then you need to fold your knees and keep your feet away at hip distance.
- Make sure your feet are at least 10 to 12 inches away from your pelvis. Ensure ankles, knees, and pelvis are in a single line.
- At this point, place your arms beside your body and your palms facing downward.
- Inhale slowly and then gradually lift your lower back, followed by the middle back and then the upper back above the ground.
- Then gently roll on your shoulder and touch your chest to your chin. This brings your chin somewhat downward.
- Support your weight with your shoulders, arms and the engaged feet.
- Your bottom will firm up with this pose.
- At this point, both your thighs will be parallel to each other on the ground.
- Fingers can be interlaced to push the arms on the floor. This helps to lift the torso. Support your back with your palms throughout the process.
- Keep breathing while performing this yoga for asthma, and hold the posture for at least 2 to 3 minutes before releasing.
6. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose helps to expand your chest and improve blood circulation throughout the body. It is highly recommended for patients who suffer from asthma.
How to perform:
- First, lie down on your stomach with your toes placed flat on the floor.
- Rest your forehead on the ground and keep your legs together.
- Your hands should be placed in such a way that the palms face the ground. Elbows should be parallel to the torso.
- Take a deep breath, and then you can lift your head gradually. Following this, lift your chest and abdomen, with the navel touching the ground.
- Pull your torso back and then off the floor with the support of your arms.
- Keep breathing continuously as you feel the curve around your spine.
- Straighten your arms and then arch your back.
- Maintain this posture for at least 4 to 5 breaths.
7. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog Pose)
Here is a yoga pose for asthma that helps to reduce stress and calm down your mind first. Patients who suffer from acute asthma and even sinusitis can practice Adho Mukha Svanasana to find relief.
How to perform:
- In this yoga pose, you need to be balancing on all fours.
- Lift your hips while breathing and then straighten your knees and elbows.
- Press your hands on the ground and widen through your shoulder blades.
- Make sure your ears are in contact with your inner arms.
- Hold this downward dog pose for a few seconds and take long, deep breaths.
- Exhale, bending your knees and get back to the tabletop posture.
8. Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose)
Also known as the Butterfly Pose, practising this yoga every day helps to stimulate the blood circulation in the body. You can engage in this yoga posture to fight off fatigue and feel energetic. As a result, Baddha Konasana has a significant healing impact on asthma patients.
How to perform:
- Sit on the floor with your legs together and your back straight.
- Exhale at this point and then bend your knees to draw your feet towards your torso.
- Place your feet, clasp your hands and form an intertwined state. The outer edge and small toe of each foot should touch the ground.
- Keep your back straight and lower your knees.
- Hold the posture for 30 seconds to 2 minutes and then release.
9. Poorvottanasana ( Upward Plank Pose)
Purvottanasana is the backwards bend in yoga, which improves the function of the respiratory system. It stimulates the thyroid gland and also strengthens your wrists. Arms, back and spine are also stretched during this yoga for asthma.
How to perform:
- Your legs should initially be stretched, and your feet placed together.
- Place the palm on the ground and the fingertips pointing outwards.
- Lean back and then support your weight on your arms.
- With knees straight, bring the feet flat on the ground. Allow your head to fall backwards on the ground.
- Hold the posture and continue to breathe for a while.
- Come back to the sitting posture after 30 seconds.
Conclusion
A daily practice session of these yoga poses for asthma can considerably reduce the impact of shortness of breath and more. Invest 15 to 20 minutes every day and get rid of your respiratory issues gradually. Start with a few minutes of breathing and meditation, followed by practising these yoga poses for asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions for Yoga For Asthma
1. Can yoga really help reduce asthma symptoms?
Yes, yoga can help manage asthma by improving lung function, reducing stress-induced triggers, and enhancing breathing control. It works best when practiced consistently alongside medical treatment.
2. Which yoga poses are best for asthma relief?
Effective poses include:
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
- Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
These chest-opening poses improve airflow and help strengthen respiratory muscles.
3. What are the best breathing exercises (pranayama) for asthma?
Top pranayama techniques for asthma include:
- Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
- Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)
- Nadi Shodhana (Channel Purification)
These calm the nervous system and improve breath control.
4. How often should I practice yoga to see improvement in asthma?
For noticeable results, practice yoga at least 4–5 times a week, combining:
- 20 minutes of asanas
- 10–15 minutes of pranayama
- 5 minutes of relaxation/meditation
5. Can yoga reduce my dependence on asthma inhalers?
While yoga can reduce the frequency of attacks, it should complement—not replace—your inhaler or medication. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.
6. Is yoga safe for people with severe asthma?
Yes, when done under proper guidance. Start with gentle poses and avoid overexertion or breath-holding techniques. Practicing yoga with a certified therapist ensures safety and effectiveness.
7. Are there any yoga poses I should avoid if I have asthma?
Avoid poses that:
- Compress the chest or diaphragm
- Involve forceful breathing (e.g., advanced Kapalabhati)
- Cause shortness of breath or dizziness
Modify poses as needed and prioritize comfort.
8. How does yoga help improve lung capacity in asthma patients?
Yoga strengthens respiratory muscles, improves diaphragm efficiency, and promotes full lung expansion through slow, deep breathing—leading to better oxygenation and reduced breathlessness.
9. Can children with asthma benefit from yoga?
Absolutely. Yoga helps children manage asthma naturally by:
- Improving breathing habits
- Reducing anxiety
- Enhancing overall lung health
Opt for short, playful sessions tailored to their age.
10. Is online yoga effective for asthma management?
Yes! Online yoga classes led by trained instructors can guide you through safe, effective asthma-specific routines from home.
