Nasal Breathing and Asthma
A little bit about asthma.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition that causes your airways to narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. Asthma can make breathing difficult. Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and can be triggered by allergies, respiratory infections, exposure to smoke, pollutants, or exercise. Common symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Millions of people have asthma to varying degrees. The condition can be a minor nuisance or debilitating and life-threatening. Asthma is serious.
Living with asthma.
Asthma cannot be cured, but can be managed through a variety of medical and non-medical interventions. Asthma treatments work by relaxing the muscles that tighten around the airways. Medical treatments include rescue inhalers for quick relief and preventative long-term medications. Non-medical interventions include breathing exercises, herbal and natural remedies, and avoiding known asthma triggers. Because everyone’s asthma is different and changes over time, it is essential for you to work with your doctor to develop your own action plan for medical treatments and non-medical supports.
Nasal Breathing is an asthma support mechanism.
tighten around your airways, consistent practice of nasal breathing techniques can support you in better oxygenating your body and maintaining relaxed muscles around your airways. These simple, yet potent exercises can help you manage your asthma symptoms, giving you a cost-effective, accessible, and non-pharmacological tool in your personal asthma action plan. The key to breath work practice is the focus on nasal breathing; mouth breathing cannot provide the calming, relaxing effects that nasal breathing offers. It is important to recognize that nasal breathing is a tool that can support you in managing your asthma and is not a substitute for medications. Please be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Asthma Support Breathwork
Start by focusing on your regular breathing pattern.
After a few moments, switch to focusing on nasal breathing. Be aware of the feel of the air moving in and out of your nostrils.
Gradually, begin to prolong the length of your exhales. Aim to make the length of your exhale twice the length of your inhale.
Once you can comfortably practice the above technique, begin to expand your nasal breathing practices to include Diaphragmatic Breathing and the 4-7-8 Technique.
Our breath is our life.
Our lives, our health, and our sense of well-being are intimately tied to the quality of our breath. Asthma is a threat to our well-being. If you live with asthma, it's crucial to know that nasal breathing can be a powerful tool to help manage your symptoms and improve your body's oxygenation, benefiting your health and well-being. That is the power of your breath. That is the power of nasal breathing.
top photo credit: CNordic Nordic
lower photo credit: Olga Nayda
That is my Breath. That is my Power.
May you find the power of your breath.
