Yoga Helps Asthma

The science of Yoga specialises in breath control. It offers vital information regarding respiration and techniques which can relieve health problems including asthma.

In yogic terminology the physical body is called the Annamaya Kosha or the “food sheath”. It is constructed out of the food we eat. The vital body or etheric body is called the Pranamaya Kosha and is built out of all the energies we have assimilated from food but more specifically via our breathing. Breathing is looked upon as the primary nourishment for continuance of life, over and above the need for food and water.

The vital body or etheric body holds the pattern for the natural flow of prana or energy within the individual and acts as our shield, protecting us from outside influences through a positive radiation of abundant energy. Any disturbance in these energies brings about a reaction in a physical disturbance or health problem. Correction of breathing and respiratory difficulties is therefore of paramount importance not only for the immediate relief of the sufferer, but for assurance of his future well being.

The yogic concept is that our health is determined by our psychological states and that irregularities in health can therefore be assisted by adjustments made in our thinking and our emotional life. It is by maintaining a balanced relationship between our thoughts and our emotions, that we can best preserve our good health. In addition, we apply physical corrective measures. In the case of asthma, this would include nutritional considerations, herbal medicines, physiotherapy, inhalation of essential oils, physical exercises, correction of body posture, respiratory exercises and training in breath control.

The average person breathes approximately 23-25,000 breaths per day. Each breath has 3 aspects inhalation, retention and exhalation. These three processes determine the regularity of supply and flow of life energy or prana within the body as well as the balance of oxygen and carbon di-oxide within the blood and cells. The three processes - inhalation, retention and exhalation should be balanced as they are by the action of the sympathetic nervous system in the nature of a well balanced individual. The three processes symbolize 1) the receptive process of drawing in vital nourishment 2) the power to absorb and utilise energy 3) the expression of the creative life energies.

The asthmatic has the three processes out of balance in himself. He usually draws in and is receptive but tends to suffer from an inability to exhale and express his energies and talents, his feeling or his thoughts. In some way he is choked by his own energy intake. Fear intensifies the blockage, intensifies his discomfort and the disease itself. This is of course a generalization and you will agree that there are exceptions. However this and any other imbalance in the psychological attitude of the sufferer must be adjusted before normal, natural, rhythmic respiration can occur. We all must become attuned to harmonise with the law and rhythm which is behind the power of Nature giving us life through our breath. And our breathing is a unique process which is partly orchestrated by Nature itself and partly by our own consciousness.

The process of respiration is therefore one which has a subconscious or unconscious component and one which is controlled by conscious awareness. In order to bring the two into harmony or in the case of asthma, restore the relationship, we have to consider the subconscious fears and inhibiting factors as we apply our therapy to the mechanisms of breathing. In an adult this can be addressed reasonably directly through consultation with a psychologist, counsellor or therapist. With infants and children, the task must be largely undertaken by the parents and therapists on the child’s behalf by making opportunity for the inner thoughts and feelings of the child to be expressed and by contributing positive suggestions to help them re-programme their reactions to negative situations. We have to help them to breath properly in exercises directed through our suggestion.

Nature has given us 2 nostrils instead of one big hole - not for aesthetic reasons, (because it looks better) but to enable us to tune in or plug in to the electro-magnetic energies which sustain life and which can be seen to correspond with what we call electricity. The energy which is drawn through the right nostril corresponds to the positive and the left nostril breath to the negative energies which in Indian terms are known as ‘pingala and ida’ and in Chinese philosophy as ‘yang and yin’.

You can verify the existence of these energies by a simple demonstration. Sitting in a relaxed manner and without actually touching the hands - place them an inch apart palms facing each other, at about waist height. Pay attention to the feeling between the hands. Then with an easy rhythmic series of movements draw the hands a little way apart, say 30 cm and back again to their original position. Repeating this in a light, bellows-like fashion, many times with elbows relaxed and no tension in the hands. After a short while you will begin to feel either a certain warmth, tingling sensation or magnetic pull between your hands, depending upon the type of energy flowing through you. Although invisible, your energy is very real.

Children with no preconceived ideas will register these sensations, so please allow no scepticism to affect your sensitivity. Try to register the sensations impartially. You will find that the feelings will differ at different times and under different circumstances. If you think that it may be displaced air that creates the sensation between the hands - please experiment further and you will find that it is the back of the hands which register the air displacement through your movement.

Our body temperature and functions are balanced by these energies and when they are out of balance, we have manifestation of disease of some kind. Throughout the day there is a natural fluctuation with the air flowing first through one nostril, then the other with the right side heating and the left side cooling. Together they also maintain Nature’s air conditioning system. The process occurs through the swelling of the delicate turbinal membranes in the nostrils, which direct the air through one side or the other. There is an interval of time where the change-over occurs and both nostrils are equally open. This fact can be easily checked by using a finger to close one nostril at a time.

Remember that for centuries, dedicated yogis explored all the avenues of nature by simple methods of personal observation and personal experience. They had no instrument other then that of their own body and mind. They spent time observing, waiting, watching to discover these laws behind human breath. They believed that because the human being can control his life-breath he therefore must have access to the source of Life for himself.

Asthma is a condition where the Left side has been overactive, sometimes for years and the alternating rhythm has not functioned as it should. This rhythm may have been interfered with by the thoughts, emotions and attitudes of the individual and the irregularity exacerbated by physical conditions. Too much mucous or catarrh and nasal congestion as well as allergies as a result of pollution of various kinds makes modern conditions and healing asthma more difficult as all these factors are present to a greater or lesser degree, in conjunction with the discussed psychological conditions which reflect some imbalance. In any case, no matter the causative factors, the natural polarity of positive and negative energies will not be adjusted again until the Right nostril becomes more active.

There are certain measures which can help and are used prior to breathing exercises. One is to cleanse the nostrils with cold water sniffing or with some it may be best to use warm salted water. The cold water will reduce any inflammation of the tissues in the nose. Some people prefer to splash the nose with cold water. Sneezing afterwards is considered a normal reaction. This practice called Neti is done by yogis using a special Neti pot for the purpose.

Steam inhalations and also direct inhalation of essential oils is beneficial with peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and pine oil being popular. It is largely a matter of personal selection to find which is most beneficial. Other delightful perfumes are found in cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, lemon and lime. Development of sensitivity of olfaction directly aids respiration as the regio respiratoria and the regio olfactoria are closely associated in the brain itself.

There are also other subtle therapies proving helpful in the treatment of asthma but therapy for this condition necessarily involves more direct physical treatment upon the spine, body posture, muscular exercises and controls including certain techniques known in Yoga as ‘bandhas’. There must be immediate relief given in cases of critical and acute symptoms of asthma attack but long term reconditioning of the whole person is important also, along with the need to practise the art of relaxation and muscular exercises to reduce strain on the nervous system.

By whatever therapeutic means you may undertake, seek also to correct any displacement of the spine which can affect the nose, the thyroid, the diaphragm, the solar plexus and the organs of digestion. Any spinal problem in these areas can aggravate asthma.

The yogi looks upon the breath as the means of connection of spirit to body and the spiritual connection of the individual to the universal. Therefore, respiration is considered not only as a mechanical means of taking oxygen in to the body and exhaling wastes, but is a function which assists both integration of the personality and provides our personal lifeline to our Life Source.

Help the asthmatic patient to reduce his inner tensions and balance his nature, to melt his frustration and his fears and recover his smooth and comforting link with his lifeline through establishment of his free and natural breathing rhythm.

Find a teacher who can help your further.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga

Yoga to Help Reduce Stress

In today‘s world, stress is a reality we all have to deal with. Stress can cause heart disease, mental problems, anger, depression, relational issues, decreased productivity, and more. Stress is America?s number one health problem.

Stress has been linked to hypertension as well. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and other medical problems. Many doctors who do research about stress are trying to develop drugs that deal with it, but your body and mind have everything needed to conquer stress and to improve your health.

But in order for you to get your body and mind to eliminate or deal with stress better, you have to learn how to focus. How can I do that? I?m glad you asked.

Yoga is the best way to learn how to rid your mind and body of stress. When you learn how to relax, you obviously are ridding yourself of stress. Relaxation is the opposite of stress. When your mind is completely relaxed and your body is completely relaxed, you are stress-free.

That sounds so simple, why do I need Yoga? It isn?t so simple. Most people find it very difficult to relax. Sitting in front of the TV relaxing is not actually being relaxed. Sitting alone reading your newspaper or a book is not being really relaxed.

Total relaxation is necessary to reduce stress and lead to a healthier life. Yoga can help you achieve total relaxation of both mind and body.

Everyone is unique. No two people are alike in all the things that make us who we are. What makes us who we are? Our Mind and our body are only two of the ingredients as to who we are. Your emotions, your attitudes and feelings, your thoughts, your five senses, conditioning (Reaction to your surroundings throughout your life), your ego, and your memories all make up who you are.

That is why no two people are exactly alike, not even identical twins. This is also what makes us independent. Being independent, we resist following others or doing what others tell us we should be doing, how we should live, etc. Unfortunately in the real world we sometimes have to do the things other people want or live the way others want us to live, etc. This causes stress and insecurity in our lives.

We all search for something. We always feel as if we are missing out on something we should have or feel we have not become the person we want to be. With Yoga, you can find what it is you are missing and in the meantime improve your health by reducing stress.

Most of the negative energy we soak up every day from other, we can get rid of or forget about, but some of it lingers and never seems to go away. These things add up and the molehill becomes a mountain of stress. Two or three bad things that happen to us can sometimes bind to each other as if there was one huge burden on our shoulders and many times we take it out on the ones we love.

Yoga can help you reduce that stress and help you improve your relationships with those you love or work with as a result.

When we are totally relaxed by using the techniques Yoga has to offer, our system slows down the body?s processes and actual changes occur. These include slowed metabolism and respiration, pupil constriction in the eyes, and the central nervous system is calmed or taken off 'alert status'.

Other things occur as well. Our digestive system actually speeds up. Even our blood thins and flows better helping the immune system become more active to restore the natural healing process our body uses.

In our hectic world the pursuit of happiness is equated to certain types of lifestyles and the accumulation of wealth. We are expected to be in a constant state of alert or arousal. By running all the time in uber-active mode, we wear down our bodies and they become prone to health problems. Relaxation is a necessary element of anyone?s life who wants to be around for awhile and for anyone who wants to remain healthy.

There are many sources on the web to help you find out more about how putting Yoga into your daily routine can keep you healthier and help you live a longer, richer, and more rewarding life. Search for Yoga in your favorite search engine and start learning more today!

Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, Yoga Tips to help you find all the information you need about Yoga and the benefits of Yoga.

Have a Health Problem? Yoga Can Solve It - Part 3

'L' is for let's do Yoga?just kidding. But seriously, Yoga is more than just poses and meditation or stretching. It is healing as well?and you?ll be on an unstoppable pace with a proper diet too. Here are the rest of the recommended poses for various health problems as applicable.

24. Laryngitis: Sun Salutations, the Shoulder stand and its counter pose. The Wheel pose.

25. Lethargy: Sun Salutations, Shoulder stand and its counter poses, the Wheel Pose and the Balancing Poses.

26. Menopause Disorders: Bow, Shoulder stand, Fish, Plough and Head to Knee Poses.

27. Menstrual disorders: Bow, Shoulder stand, Fish, Plough and Head to Knee Poses.

28. Nervousness: Shoulder stand and its counter-poses, Bow pose and Corpse pose

29. Ovarian Insufficiency: Inverted Poses, Bow Pose, Wheel Pose, Abdominal Isolation and the Head to Knee pose.

30. Premature ejaculations: Shoulder stand, Plough pose, Head to Knee Poses, Bow Pose and Peacock Pose. Abdominal Lifts.

31. Pubic Disorders: Sun Salutations, Inverted poses, Head to Knee Poses (sitting and standing)

32. Rheumatism: Sun Salutations (mildly 3-6 rounds), the Bow Pose and Triangle Poses. (Avoid Dairy, Wheat and Animal products and other processed and convenience foods!)

33. Sexual disorders: Inverted Poses, Head to knee poses sitting and standing, bow pose, Balancing Poses (Peacock and Crow variations)

34. Spinal Stiffness: Spinal Twist, Bow, Sun Salutations Twisted Crow Poses.

35. Stomach Sagging: Inverted Poses, Head to Knee Poses, Bow Pose, Wheel Pose, Balancing Exercises.

36. Thighs: Sun Salutations, Inverted poses, Diamond Pose, Bow and Wheel Pose, Head to knee Poses, Triangle Poses.

37. Thyroid Deficiency: Shoulder-Stand and Plough poses. (Include Celery and Green Leafy veggies in your diet and juices)

38. Uterine disorders: Inverted Poses and the bow pose

39. Varicose Veins: Inverted poses, Head to knee Poses and the Backward bending Exercises

40. Waistline-to reduce and firm: Sun Salutations, Inverted Poses, Spinal Twists, Triangle Poses, Balancing exercises

41. Wrinkles: inverted Poses, head to knee poses, Sun Salutations and the balancing exercises.

There you have it, the comprehensive list of what pose can help with any ailment you may have. Here is another tip, for any of these ailments listed above, incorporate what Philippus Paracelsus has named ?the greatest remedy–the physician within!” and that my friends is a Fast or as an alternative a restricted mono-diet of a juicy fruit.

Yoga, a proper diet and mental attunements combined can be a panacea (cure-all) for just about any disease, so target what you may be encumbered with and with dedicated practice, you should see a drastic improvement.

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com. For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, feel free to stop by his website today.