Ushtrasana (Camel Pose)
If you are prone to getting frequent bouts of asthma, it is very important to exercise and practice postures that emphasise on stretching the lungs and the respiratory system. Practicing some backward bends and chest expansions few times a week can reduce the frequency and intensity of an asthma attack.
Ushtrasana stretches and expands the lungs, improving the capacity to breathe better. It helps flush out impurities from the respiratory organs and enables better supply of oxygen. It helps in exercising and toning the lungs, vital to improve immunity towards allergies. This is a graceful backbend that stretches and opens your entire body, particularly the frontal region.
Though the following postures are simple to practice and can be easily done at home, we suggest you seek medical advice before starting them.
Procedure:
1. Stand on your knees with arms at the sides.
2. Keep your knees hip-width apart and support your lower back with your hands.
3. While inhaling, bend your body backwards and rest your right palm on the sole of your right foot and then rest your left palm on the sole of your left foot.
4. Push your hips forward keeping the thighs vertical and arch your back as much as is possible.
5. Gently drop your head back, allowing the neck region and the throat to stretch.
6. Hold this position for up to a minute while breathing normally.
7. Return to the starting position while exhaling, slowly releasing the hands from the soles of your feet, one at a time.
Benefits:
• It stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps.
• It enables better breathing.
Caution: People suffering from high or low blood pressure, migraine, insomnia and serious low-back or neck injury are recommended not to practice this posture.
