Specific Asanas for Lung health

Specific Asanas for Lung health – by Lauren Davey

When inversion levels are high, pollution can weaken the elasticity of the alveoli sacs in the lungs.  Practicing yoga poses and breath exercises can help our lungs become stronger and more efficient at combatting the effects of poor air quality on the entire body. Poses like Bridge or Cobra can open and stretch the chest and stimulate the lungs.   Gentle Inversions like Downward-Facing Dog or Shoulder Stand can assist in cleaning and draining the lungs while increasing circulation. Practicing breath exercises, or pranayama, while in yoga poses will help to maximize your lung capacity and increase oxygen intake.  Strong, healthy lungs can more effectively deliver oxygen to the rest of the muscles and organs in the body, improving your overall wellbeing.

 

 

8 limbs of yoga – by Lauren Davey

We can look to the “yamas and niyamas” (yoga’s ethics) more specifically, “saucha” (cleanliness) and “ahimsa” (non-harming) to influence the health of our lungs and the health of our planet. It is important that we all do our part to help keep our bodies and air cleaner by driving less, carpooling more, using energy in our homes more efficiently, and buying environmentally friendly products.