There is nothing yoga cannot help with, including bronchitis. Millions of people suffer from bronchitis and yoga is the best way out.
Young, old and children—bronchitis spares nobody. And if you noticed having a shortness of breath and been continually coughing throughout the night, then you are in trouble.
That is because bronchitis hit upon you and you must do something about it. Don’t panic because the 7 yoga poses mentioned below will control and heal your bronchitis condition.
Go on, read the article and save yourself from pain.
Before that let’s learn more about the bronchitis condition.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation leads to swelling and mucus production, causing symptoms that affect breathing.
Types of Bronchitis:
- Acute Bronchitis:
- Cause: Usually caused by viral infections (like the common cold or flu), though it can also be triggered by bacteria or irritants like smoke or pollution.
- Duration: Typically lasts for a few weeks.
- Symptoms: Cough (often with mucus), sore throat, fatigue, mild fever, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.
- Chronic Bronchitis:
- Cause: A long-term condition often due to smoking, air pollution, or exposure to irritants.
- Duration: Symptoms persist for months or recur over multiple years.
- Symptoms: Persistent cough with mucus production for at least three months in two consecutive years, wheezing, and breathlessness.
- Association: Considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent cough (may produce clear, yellow, or green mucus)
- Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever and chills (more common in acute bronchitis)
- Chest tightness or discomfort
Causes:
- Infections: Viral (most common) or bacterial
- Irritants: Tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, pollution, and chemical exposure
- Pre-existing Conditions: Allergies, asthma, or a history of respiratory infections
Treatment:
- Acute Bronchitis:
- Rest, hydration, and symptom management (e.g., cough suppressants, fever reducers).
- Antibiotics are not effective unless a bacterial infection is confirmed.
- Avoid smoking and irritants.
- Chronic Bronchitis:
- Lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, avoiding irritants).
- Medications (bronchodilators, inhaled steroids).
- Pulmonary rehabilitation for severe cases.
- Oxygen therapy in advanced stages.
When to See a Doctor:
- Cough lasts more than three weeks.
- Cough produces blood or large amounts of mucus.
- High fever that doesn’t improve.
- Persistent shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Recurring bronchitis episodes.
Preventive measures include vaccination (e.g., flu and pneumonia vaccines), avoiding smoking, and minimizing exposure to respiratory irritants.
Yoga For Bronchitis
The best part about yoga is it fixes the symptoms of bronchitis. A lethargic lifestyle, smoking habit, weak immune system, tension, stress and a rigid body are the problems.
Yoga can easily smoothen these out and protect you from the bronchitis condition, but if you already suffer from it and the condition is at an initial stage, then you have still got a chance to cure bronchitis with yoga.
The main issue of bronchitis is shortness of breath which can quickly tire you out. Yoga can fix it easily with asanas and pranayama. You will feel lighter, happier and more connected with your mind, body, and soul.
Regular practice of yoga brings about a calm and disciplined life. A definitive diet, keeping away from smoking and drinking and a right amount of sleep is sometimes all that takes to fix a problem.
Yoga asanas are the best to start with as they make your body supple and flexible along with improving your lung capacity. Even the mucus formed in the bronchial tubes drains off with regular practice of asanas.
Forward bends, back bends, spinal twists and relaxation poses are your best bet and following are some of the best asanas mentioned to help you get started with the practice. Check them out.
Yoga Poses For Bronchitis
- Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half-Spinal Twist)
- Simhasana (Lion Pose)
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
- Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose)
- Salamba Sarvangasana (All Limbs Pose)
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
- Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
About The Pose- Sukhasana or the Easy Pose is a meditative pose that can be easily practiced by people of all ages. It is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Do it in the morning and not necessarily on an empty stomach if you are not following it up with other asanas. Sit in the pose for as long as you like.
Benefits For Bronchitis Patient- Sukhasana calms your mind and broadens your chest. It cures your mental tiredness and keeps you peaceful. The pose opens your hips and gently massages your thighs.
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half-Spinal Twist)
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half-Spinal Twist Pose) is a seated yoga posture that involves twisting the spine to one side while keeping the torso upright. It enhances spinal flexibility, stimulates digestion, relieves back pain, and promotes detoxification. This pose also calms the mind and improves posture, making it beneficial for overall well-being.
3. Simhasana (Lion Pose)
About The Pose- Simhasana or the Lion Pose is an asana that resembles the stance and roar of a lion. Simha means lion, and hence the asana is named Simhasana. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice the pose in the morning on an empty stomach and hold it for at least 30 seconds.
Benefits For Bronchitis Patient– Simhasana relieves tension in the chest. It prevents a sore throat, asthma and any other respiratory ailments. The pose opens your respiratory tract and clears your vocal chords.
4. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) is a foundational yoga pose where you fold forward from the hips, allowing the upper body to drape over the legs. This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back, improves circulation, calms the mind, and helps relieve stress and fatigue. It is a rejuvenating posture often included in yoga sequences for its soothing and grounding effects.
5. Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose)
About The Pose- Ardha Pincha Mayurasana or the Dolphin Pose is an asana that looks like an inverted ‘V.’ It is a mild inversion as well as a standing pose. It is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
Benefits For Bronchitis Patient– Ardha Pincha Mayurasana stretches your shoulders and strengthens your arms and legs. It calms your brain and relieves depression. The pose is soothing for asthmatic patients.
6. Salamba Sarvangasana (All Limbs Pose)
Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulder Stand) is an inverted yoga pose where the body is balanced on the shoulders with legs extended upward, supported by the hands. It improves blood circulation, stimulates the thyroid gland, strengthens the core and shoulders, and calms the nervous system. Often called the “queen of asanas,” it promotes overall vitality and relaxation.
7. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana (Corpse Pose) is a relaxation yoga pose performed by lying flat on the back with arms and legs comfortably extended. It promotes deep rest, reduces stress, calms the mind, and allows the body to integrate the benefits of the yoga practice. This pose is typically done at the end of a session to achieve complete physical and mental relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can yoga cure bronchitis?
It is possible, and yoga can control the condition in the initial stages if practiced regularly.
2. What precautions to take before practicing yoga for bronchitis?
Consult your doctor before you begin to practice and practice the asanas under the supervision of a certified yoga teacher.
A healthy body and an active mind can solve any problem or disease. And, yoga does exactly that to your body. If practiced with proper care and attention, yoga will solve your bronchitis problem, and a sure shot manner to that are the poses mentioned above. Try them and tell us how well they worked.
