Can Yoga Postures Help Asthmatics?
By Joy Abrams

In my thirty years of teaching yoga I have found that asthmatic symptoms have been eased through the consistent practice of yoga. The practice of yoga needs to be done at least three times a week for at least a half hour of time. Students need to be patient and the rewards will outweigh the time spent doing the postures. Those who practiced yoga postures with stretching, relaxation techniques, and meditation reported to me to have a more positive attitude, less panic associated with asthmatic symptoms, less exercise induced lung spasms and decreased use of medication.

One yoga posture in particular seems to be most helpful. This posture is the shoulder stand. In this posture the diaphragm muscle is strengthened because it has to work against gravity. Doing this posture in proper combination with the complete yoga breath is an adjunct to conventional care. *Refer to “The Joy Of Yoga “ videotape for further information.

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