Yoga Asana's (Poses) for Asthma, Weak Immunity & Indigestion in Children

​Introducing yoga to your child at an early stage has it benefits. Yoga asana’s or poses helps to recover from asthma, weak Immunity & indigestion, developing concentration, fearlessness, sense of accomplishment and is quite enjoyable at the same time. Yoga is not just a fitness regime it is a way of life.

Today, we will discuss yoga asanas for asthma, building immunity and indigestion in children. Before we start, it is important to stress on the fact that these techniques should be practiced in the presence of a trained yoga instructor. In addition, please remember though yoga may help with these issues, it is not a miracle worker or a replacement for medication. Read:  Must try Asthma and Respiratory Care during Diwali 

Benefits Of Introducing Yoga To Your Child at An Early Stage 

Yoga Asana's for Asthma

Considering the rising levels of pollution in the air, asthma is becoming quite common in young children. Asthma is a condition that affects a person’s breathing. A child with asthma wheezes (make a whistling sound), coughs, and feels tightness in the chest. The deep breathing exercises in yoga helps us to use our lungs to their maximum capacity and also help us to learn breathing correctly. Yoga poses that helps relieve symptoms of asthma.

1. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril breathing) – This breathing technique is good for children with asthma, as it has a healing effect on many respiratory and circulatory problems. Read: 7 Tips to Care Asthma & Respiratory Care 
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist) – This technique opens the chest, improves the supply of oxygen to the lungs, thus reducing the probability of asthma restricting your child.
3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose) – Opens up the chest, lungs and encourages deep breathing
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose) – This pose helps in calming the mind, relieves stress and is good for people suffering from asthma and sinusitis.
5. Kapalbhati: Quite a powerful asana for strengthening your lungs, as you inhale more oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. It is recommended for children with wheezing problems.

2. Weak Immune System

If your child has a weak immune system then the asanas mentioned here will surely help him or her. Experts say that by relaxing the nervous system, one can boost immunity. In order to build the immune system and improve sinus-related conditions, it is suggested that we focus on the thymus gland. Thymus gland is located in the chest and forms the central point of the immune system. Any posture in which we open the chest and breathe deeply stimulates the thymus gland and hence strengthens the immune system.

The most beneficial Yoga postures for this purpose are:

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – stimulates the thymus. It provides a boost of energy after a long day of sitting in the same position and is quite beneficial for children who sit for long hours in one position to study during exams.
2. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) – Stretches and strengthens back and circulatory system; boosts overall health and immunity.
3. Setu Bhandasana (Bridge Pose) – Opens up lungs, heart, and upper body; stimulates thymus, thereby improving body’s infection combating potential.

3. Indigestion Issue

Indigestion is another problem that may affect your child. Though they are young to understand the basic concept of indigestion, they definitely do relate to low energy level and high irritability. Yoga has proved to be quite beneficial during indigestion, as it not only strengths and tones but also increases the metabolism of our children preventing recurrence of the issue...

1. Paranayam - The breathing exercises involved in Paranayam control and increase the oxygen intake which not only augments creation of new cells but also relieves the body of chronic pain. Increasing oxygen absorption in the blood will make the body feel more energetic.
2. Halasana (Plow Pose) - This not only relieves constipation, stomach disorders but controls obesity, diabetes and blood pressure.
3. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) - Helps the body get rid of the accumulated gas in the digestive tract relieving the pain. It is also said to control hyperacidity and regulate bowel movements.
4. Naukasana (Boat Pose) - Is also a recommended posture which aids digestion, as it strengthens pancreas.

These postures of yoga not only help the body in better digestion, it also makes the muscles of the intestine strong and rigid..