How Yoga Eases Asthma Symptoms

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that offers many health benefits that include strengthening and toning muscles while improving concentration. Some offshoots like power yoga also offer cardiovascular benefits.While Dayton, OH, senior care providers are aware of these benefits, more recent studies indicate that the practice may also enhance the health of individuals with asthma. Statistics show that more than 25 million people in the United States have asthma. The disorder causes lung inflammation and swelling that closes the air passageways, which results in coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty and chest tightening.
The Cochrane Reviews study analyzed 15 controlled trials involving more than 1,000 men and women in Europe, India and the United States. The studies spanned anywhere from two weeks to more than four years. The studies were designed to evaluate the physiological effects that yoga had on the body. One of the key areas of study focused on respiration. Each of the participants were diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma and had been living with the disorder from anywhere between six months to more than two decades. During the research, all of the volunteers continued taking their prescribed asthma medications.
The researchers affiliated with Cochrane Reviews concluded that evidence from at least five of the studies indicated that yoga seemed to help reduce the symptoms of asthma. Dr. Zuyao Yang from the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care from the University of Hong Kong shares a similar opinion. However, the Chinese researcher believes that more studies are needed in order to determine if yoga consistently offers benefits for respiratory conditions and if patients may eventually reduce the use of asthma medications.
A study performed by the American College of Sports Medicine learned that asthma patients who practiced yoga over a 10-week period demonstrated a 43 percent symptomatic improvement. The scientists explained that during yoga, participants focus on posture along with deep, prolonged breathing known as pranayama, which eventually enhances lung capacity, breathing efficiency and airflow. If seniors practice yoga regularly with friends, family, or live-in Dayton caregivers, it may boost emotional wellbeing in addition reducing asthma symptoms.
Further your loved one’s overall wellbeing with help from Home Care Assistance of Dayton. In addition to helping seniors with activities of daily living, we also provide flexible Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Dayton stroke care for seniors with more specific needs. Learn how our services can boost your loved one’s physical and emotional wellbeing when you call [hca_phone] today to set up a free consultation with an experienced Care Manager.