Yoga shows promise as a natural approach to asthma management, according to several small studies. A mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga is thought to improve lung function and help stave off asthma attacks. Some research also suggests that practicing yoga may help reduce the need for asthma medication.
The Science Behind Yoga and Asthma Treatment
To date, research on yoga's effectiveness as a form of asthma treatment is fairly limited. Still, the available studies have yielded largely positive results. In a small study published in 2009, for instance, scientists found that adding yoga to conventional care helped improve asthma management. For eight weeks, 57 adults with mild or moderate asthma underwent either conventional care alone or conventional care combined with yoga training. Among members of the yoga group, researchers observed a "steady and progressive improvement" in lung function.
Other small studies suggest that practicing yoga may also help decrease hypersensitivity in the airways (a hallmark of asthma), as well as improve mood and quality of life in asthma patients.
In a study published in 2005, however, investigators concluded that Iyengar yoga (a type of yoga that emphasizes the physical alignment of the body) offers no significant benefit to people with mild to moderate asthma. The study's 62 participants were randomly assigned to four weeks of treatment with either yoga-based therapy or an intervention involving stretching exercises. Researchers found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of inhaler use, asthma symptoms, and asthma-related quality of life (among other factors).
Should You Use Yoga to Treat Asthma?
Due to the lack of science behind yoga and asthma treatment, yoga cannot currently be recommended as a means of managing asthma. However, practicing yoga may have some beneficial effects on lung function. What's more, yoga may help to relieve stress (a common trigger for asthma symptoms). If you're considering the use of yoga in asthma management, talk to your doctor about incorporating yoga into your treatment program.
Sources:
Manocha R, Marks GB, Kenchington P, Peters D, Salome CM. "Sahaja yoga in the management of moderate to severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial." Thorax. 2002 Feb;57(2):110-5.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Yoga for Health: An Introduction". NCCAM Publication No. D412. May 2008.
Sabina AB, Williams AL, Wall HK, Bansal S, Chupp G, Katz DL. "Yoga intervention for adults with mild-to-moderate asthma: a pilot study." Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005 May;94(5):543-8.
Sodhi C, Singh S, Dandona PK. "A study of the effect of yoga training on pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma." Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009 Apr-Jun;53(2):169-74.
Vempati R, Bijlani RL, Deepak KK. "The efficacy of a comprehensive lifestyle modification programme based on yoga in the management of bronchial asthma: a randomized controlled trial." BMC Pulm Med. 2009 Jul 30;9:37.
