Yoga Therapy

Understanding Asthma & Respiratory Issues

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult. It can range from mild wheezing to severe, life-threatening attacks. In Ayurveda, asthma is known as Tamaka Shwasa, caused by an accumulation of Kapha (mucus) in the respiratory passages combined with aggravated Vata that disrupts the normal flow of Prana Vayu (the vital breath).

Common Symptoms:

• Wheezing and whistling sound during breathing
• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or at night
• Persistent cough, particularly in the early morning
• Chest tightness and feeling of constriction
• Difficulty breathing during cold weather or exposure to allergens

The root cause involves a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers (dust, pollution, allergens), weak lung capacity, and chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. From a yogic perspective, asthma reflects a restriction in the flow of Prana — the life force that enters through the breath.

What Research Says

A Cochrane systematic review (2016) analysing 15 randomised controlled trials with 1,048 asthma patients found that yoga practice resulted in significant improvements in quality of life scores and a measurable reduction in asthma symptoms. A specific study in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences (2017) found that 8 weeks of pranayama practice improved lung function (FEV1) by 12% and reduced the frequency of asthma attacks by over 60%.

Guruji Dr. Asana Andiappan's Therapeutic Approach

"The breath is life itself, and when breathing becomes difficult, everything suffers. In our therapeutic system, we approach asthma with great care and patience. We begin with gentle chest-opening postures that expand the ribcage and strengthen the respiratory muscles. Then we introduce pranayama — starting with simple deep breathing and gradually progressing to techniques like Anulom Vilom and Bhastrika that increase lung capacity and clear the airways. The combination of yoga with steam inhalation using eucalyptus, a Sattvic diet that reduces mucus, and the regular use of Tulsi has helped many of our students reduce their dependence on inhalers."

Recommended Therapeutic Yoga Practices

• Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Opens the chest cavity, stretches the intercostal muscles, and increases lung capacity significantly.
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Expands the chest, strengthens the respiratory muscles, and improves airflow to the lungs.
• Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Balances the autonomic nervous system, reduces bronchial inflammation, and improves overall respiratory function.
• Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath): Strengthens the diaphragm, clears mucus from the airways, and increases vital lung capacity — to be practised only when not in an acute attack.
• Simhasana (Lion Pose): Opens the throat, strengthens the vocal cords, and helps clear the upper respiratory passages.

Important: Never practise vigorous pranayama during an acute asthma attack. Always keep your rescue inhaler accessible. A qualified yoga therapist will teach you how to practise safely.

Kitchen Herb & Natural Remedy

Tulsi (Holy Basil / Ocimum sanctum) is revered in both Siddha and Ayurvedic traditions as the supreme respiratory herb. It contains eugenol, camphene, and cineole — compounds that act as natural bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2014) found that Tulsi extract significantly reduced airway inflammation and improved breathing capacity in asthma patients.

How to use: Boil 8-10 fresh Tulsi leaves in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of black pepper. Drink this twice daily — morning and evening. You may also chew 4-5 fresh Tulsi leaves every morning on an empty stomach.

Dietary Guidance — The Sattvic Way

A Kapha-reducing Sattvic diet is essential for managing asthma:

• Include: Warm foods and beverages, ginger tea, turmeric milk, honey (a natural expectorant), light grains like barley and old rice, and pungent spices like black pepper, long pepper (pippali), and cumin.
• Avoid: Cold foods and drinks (ice cream, cold milk, refrigerated items), heavy and oily foods, bananas (increase mucus), curd at night, and excessive dairy products.
• Steam inhalation: Inhale steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil for 10 minutes before pranayama practice. This opens the airways and prepares the lungs for deeper breathing.

Wisdom from the Ancient Texts

Thiruvalluvar emphasises the importance of understanding one's constitution in the Thirukkural:

"Noi naadi noi mudhal naadi athu thanikkum vaai naadi vaippa seyal"

(Kural 948) — "Investigate the disease, investigate its cause, seek the remedy, and apply it wisely."

For asthma, this means understanding your specific triggers, identifying the root cause of inflammation, and applying the right combination of yoga, herbs, and dietary changes — not merely suppressing symptoms with medication.

Thirumoolar, in the Thirumandiram (Verse 564):

"Pranayamam pannuvor paarkkil dheergayushu"

— "Those who master pranayama shall enjoy long life."

The Siddha masters understood that the quality and depth of our breathing directly determines the quality and length of our life. For asthma patients, pranayama is not just therapy — it is the path to reclaiming the fullness of breath and the fullness of life.

Healing at Andiappan Yoga

At Andiappan Yoga Education & Research Trust, our yoga therapists create safe, progressive respiratory programs tailored to your specific type and severity of asthma. We work alongside your medical treatment, never replacing your medication but complementing it. Regular practice under expert guidance strengthens the respiratory muscles, increases lung capacity, reduces airway inflammation, and builds confidence in your ability to breathe freely. Many of our students have significantly reduced their inhaler usage over time. Every breath is a gift — let us help you breathe fully again.