Yogic Management of Asthma and Diabetes

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Excerpt from the Book

Yogic Treatment

         In this book we are presenting those methods which are best suited to the treatment, based on our direct experience. All the practices listed below are described in the ‘Practice’ sections of this book. The treatment of asthma through yoga is an involved process and the programs given here should act as guidelines only. The management of asthma should not be attempted without the direct guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

         Topics covered include: cleansing techniques, asana, prana­yama, relaxation, yogic attitude and ashram program.

         Two aspects of cure are considered:

1.   Practices to be used during an acute attack.

2.   Long-term practices to reduce further attacks.

         Only through consistent, steady practice of these exer­cises is complete recovery brought about. A few minutes of relaxed practice each day is far more preferable to irregular practice of long duration. Bear in mind the fable of the tortoise and the hare. You will find that effort diminishes and relaxation increases as the practices are established on a regular basis.

Cleansing techniques

The hatha yoga cleansing techniques are probably the most important aspect of therapy for asthma. Their salt cleans out the accumulated thick mucus, dissolving it and drawing it out by osmotic force. For people with asthma the salt used in these practices can be slightly increased.

         The following techniques should ideally be performed in the morning before asana and meditation practice. Their application during an acute attack is extremely beneficial.

1.   Kunjal kriya consists of drinking warm, salty water and then regurgitating it by stimulating the back of the throat with the fingers. The effect of kunjal on an acute attack of asthma cannot be underrated. The nervous energy, which is causing many of the symptoms of an attack, can be released with the expulsion of water from the stomach. There is a reflex action from the stomach to the lungs via the vagus nerve, which removes tension from the lungs. If practised regularly, kunjal is beneficial in preventing an attack.

2.   Jala neti involves washing the nasal passages with warm, salty water. It is of importance to the person with asthma as mouth breathing is a common problem. Neti removes obstructions from the nasal passages and facilitates nasal breathing. Regular practice allows pranayama to be performed more effectively. Once pranayama is practis­ed on a regular basis, the nasal passages will regain even greater health and will remain open longer and longer, so that neti may eventually be discontinued. If the nose is blocked, perform jala neti each day for at least a month to clear the nasal passages. There are three types of neti:

i)     Jala neti (water neti), using a pot with a spout which fits into the nostril,

ii)   Sutra neti (catheter neti), done before jala neti, es­pecially when the passages are too blocked to pass water,

iii) Vyutkrama kapalbhati (sinus cleansing), passing water in through the nose and out through the mouth.

3.   Vastra dhauti is done by swallowing a strip of fine muslin about 2½ centimetres wide and up to three metres long. The cloth must be removed from the stomach within twenty minutes. This practice can be followed by kunjal and neti kriyas. Some people find vastra dhauti a great help, others not. You should try it yourself to see if it brings you relief. In many ways, it is more powerful than kunjal. If the strip of cloth is soaked in midstream urine before swallowing, it is said to be even more powerful. During the acute situation it can be used every day for up to two weeks, but after this once a week is sufficient. Of course, this varies from individual to individual.

4.   Shankhaprakshalana is a very powerful technique for clean­ing the whole alimentary canal. It involves drinking a large quantity of salty water, alternated with a series of five asanas. Laghoo shankhaprakshalana is the short form of this technique in which a smaller amount of water is drunk but the same series of asanas is performed. This can be practised during the acute attack and also on a daily basis during the acute situation. By removing the mucus from the intestinal walls, it has a reflex effect on all the mucus glands of the body. The salt absorbed helps to dissolve accumulated mucus in the lungs and other bodily organs and relaxes the nervous system. This technique is very tiring; after performing it, rest is required. Food restrictions must be followed after full shankhaprakshalana, but not after the short form.

         It is important to note that these techniques must not be attempted without expert guidance. If practised daily, the following precautions should be observed:

•     They should be done early in the morning when the stomach is empty.

•     After performing laghoo shankhaprakshalana and kunjal, one should wait for at least half an hour before eating.

Asana

Asanas give both strength and relaxation to the body. By squeezing the tissue like a sponge and directing the blood flow specifically to certain parts, they help to wash the toxins out of the joints, cavities, tissues, and organs. They act to support the balancing and distribution of prana in the tissues. They also act on much deeper levels, bringing about significant benefits over a long period of time. For the person with asthma, regular practice of asanas will help to reshape the chest, improve posture, strengthen the spinal cord, aid the flow of nervous energy, and rebalance the whole body.

         There are many asanas which can be performed with great benefit by the person with asthma; however, we feel that the following are most effective: surya namaskara, marjari-asana, shashankasana, shashank bhujangasana, bhujangasana, pranamasana, sarvangasana, paschimottan­asana, yogamudrasana, dhanurasana, shav­asana and ardha matsyendrasana.

         Although all of these asanas are beneficial, some will be more suitable than others for each individual. Therefore, it is best to select a few which seem to give you the most benefit and cultivate the practice of these exclusively. For example, one person with asthma found that four asanas (sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, dhanurasana and ardha matsyendrasana) were sufficient.

         People who have not yet practised asanas may find their bodies too stiff to attempt these asanas immediately. In this case the pawanmuktasana series should be practised for some time to limber up the body.

Pranayama

Pranayama is an excellent means of dealing with tensions. By exercising and strengthening the lungs, rebalancing the autonomic nervous system, and strengthening the entire nervous system, it diminishes the possibility of a future asthma attack. Essentially pranayama is designed to allow us to master the body’s energy systems. The practices lead to increased self-confidence and mastery of mind. Through greater control of prana, we gain greater control over ourselves.

         Pranayama is best practised regularly after asana. Here are some simple exercises:

1.   Inhale slowly, counting the pulse at the inner wrist for six beats or more on inhalation. Exhale for the same number of beats. This can be done for up to twelve beats of the heart for each inhalation and exhalation. After some time the heart and breath will slow down considerably.

2.   Nadi shodhana stage 2 (alternate nostril breathing) is very beneficial during the acute attack as well as on a daily basis. See the ‘Practices’ section.

3.   Mild bhastrika (bellows breath) will strengthen the lungs. Combined with kumbhaka (breath retention) it is a powerful means of preventing an attack as it opens all alveoli of the lungs, expels gas and phlegm, increases oxygen in the blood and brings about deep relaxation.

         The following practices are a combination of asana and pranayama which have been found to be very useful in the treatment of asthma:

1.   Stand erect, with the feet together and arms beside the body. Breathing slowly and deeply, raise both arms in front of the body to shoulder level, then slowly move them outward, sideways and slightly backward. Breathe out while lowering the arms to the sides of the body. Do this five times.

2.   Hasta utthanasana.

3.   Utthita lolasana.

4.   Stand erect, feet together and arms at the side of the body. Inhale deeply, hold the breath, and with the fingers tap all over the chest and sides of the body, gently but firmly, for as long as possible before exhaling. Repeat this a total of five times.

5.   Standing as before, inhale, then exhale through the mouth in short bursts with a ha-ha-ha sound. Perform five times.

6.   Standing erect in the same position as before, inhale deeply, then exhale through the mouth with teeth together, making a hissing sound. Do this five times.

7.   Yogic breathing, performed in shavasana, should be done during relaxation periods or in any position when an opportunity arises to breathe consciously.

8.   Lying in shavasana, bring the arms over the head onto the floor. (The legs may also be bent and the feet placed on the floor in front of the buttocks.) Take hold of the left elbow with the right hand, and the right elbow with the left hand keeping both arms on the floor. Practise yogic breathing. This posture encourages the fullest, deepest breath, particularly into the clavicular region at the top of the lungs.

         When these practices have been perfected, the following pranayamas can be taken up:

1.   Advanced stages of nadi shodhana and bhastrika are very beneficial.

2.   Kapalbhati (frontal brain cleansing) is a slightly more advanced pranayama technique, which is effective in strengthening the lungs. By stressing exhalation, it reverses the normal emphasis of respiration and com­pletely empties stale air from the lungs. In this respect it is especially good for asthma as the main problem here is difficulty in exhaling.

3.   Ujjayi pranayama (the psychic breath) increases the intake of oxygen, calming and revitalizing the nervous system. It rebalances the sympathetic and parasym­pathetic components, which are unbalanced in asthma, and thereby restores harmony.

4.   Bhramari (humming bee breath) pranayama is more a relaxation technique than a pranayama.

         Pranayama practices are very powerful and the beginner is cautioned not to perform these techniques too forcibly until the body is sufficiently prepared.

Relaxation

One of the best ways of combating asthma is the method of yoga nidra or psychic sleep, the state of inner awareness combined with complete relaxation. In this scientifically proven method of relaxing tensions the student allows the body to sleep but maintains complete control of the mind, moving the awareness from point to point in a systematic way. A guide is usually required in the beginning, but with practice the person with asthma will be able to use it independently in times of stress. In case of an attack, the mental attitude gained in yoga nidra helps to relax the spasm in the chest and lungs. In the normal situation it can be practised just before retiring to produce a deep sleep. Fewer hours of sleep will be required and you will awake feeling fresh and energetic.

         Om chanting is a simple yet powerful practice which is very helpful to the person with asthma. Om can be chanted at different speeds. To chant slowly, breathe in fully and deeply. Form the mouth in the shape of an ‘O’ and in a relaxed way slowly allow the air to escape through the throat making this sound. When the air is almost exhausted, make the ‘mmmmm’ sound. The process is natural and relaxed. Chant Om loudly at first; later you may continue to repeat it mentally. It is best to practise in a sitting or meditation posture. Let yourself go during the practice and continue it as long as you wish. Try to become absorbed in the mantra. The person with asthma will find that along with numerous spiritual benefits, Om chanting is most relaxing and strengthening. The vibrations emanating from this mantra will produce a gentle massaging effect which can later be directed to any part of the body that is desired.

Yogic attitude

Attitude is the prime factor in the cure. The person with asthma needs to make an honest self-appraisal to decide whether he really wants to be cured. He must then set his own health as a central priority in life. This requires commit­ment, sincerity, self-responsibility and intelligent effort.

         Yoga treatment requires a certain amount of time each day. Nothing will be accomplished overnight, and damage can easily result from trying to do too much too quickly. It is therefore recommended that a fixed amount of time be set aside each morning for practising and that this time be regarded as inviolate. This may require going to bed an hour or so earlier each night, but in the long run it will prove beneficial.

         Once the program is underway, the sufferer – who, from the yogic point of view, is a self-healer – faces further tests of attitude and will. Old memories and volitions will begin to surface, bringing on tension and emotional suffering. These incidents may be a sign that cure is progressing. It is often good to talk to a therapist about these experiences for confirmation. The sufferer should remember that the most important thing is to remain aware all the times.

         What is awareness? At the simplest level it is bare attention, the noting of events without attachment or aversion. One ceases to be ‘the sufferer’ and becomes ‘the observer’, noting bodily changes, mental states, and feelings, without identifying with them.

         Awareness is a skill, like any other and must be developed. This can be done while sitting quietly, riding in a bus, waiting in a queue, or getting a haircut. Sit or stand comfortably and keep the attention on the rising and falling of the abdomen. Try not to think of the ‘rising’ or ‘falling’; just be aware of the movement of rising and falling. If your attention is distracted by a thought, as soon as you recollect yourself, make a mental note, ‘thinking’. If you feel irritation or impatience make a mental note, ‘feeling’. If a noise catches your attention, ‘hearing’ and so on, but always bring the attention gently back to the rising and falling of the abdomen. If you feel frustration, note ‘frustration’. If frustration continues, stop the practice for the time being and try again later.

         Awareness and a positive attitude towards cure can transform your entire life. You will soon come to view situations as learning experiences rather than annoyances. The overcoming of asthma is a big achievement and should be undertaken with energy and a cheerful optimism.

Asthma program

We conclude this chapter with a brief description of the treatment program for asthma used at the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, India. Although it is quite possible to begin the healing process while carrying on a householder life, it is our experience that the combination of discipline, energy and serenity in the ashram environment are very conducive to cure. In addition, the asthmatic can be sure of expert guidance which will lead him step by step on the road back to health.

         The ashram program for asthmatics is as follows:

•     Day 1–4: Cleansing techniques are begun along with a strict diet and gentle asanas. Each morning vastra dhauti is practised, followed by kunjal kriya and neti kriya. Only the pawanmuktasana part 1 and 2 series of asanas and pranayama are used while the patient’s condition is weak.

•     Day 5: Everyone remains silent on this day and shankha­prakshalana is performed. The remainder of the day is used for resting.

•     Following days: Japa, antar mouna and yoga nidra are intro­duced. Surya namaskara is begun gently, usually three rounds a day until the patient shows signs of strength. As progress is made, the asana and pranayama prac­tices increase in number and strength. Later the power­ful healing technique known as prana vidya may be given.

         All these practices are given under personal guidance in the ashram and tailored to suit individual needs. Some people begin the more advanced practices straight away and have amazingly rapid results. Others require months of simple practices and slow painstaking work. The ashram environment is a great aid in yoga therapy for it allows people to come face to face with themselves and see just what is the basic problem, past experience or conditioning which caused their asthma in the first place. Ashram life takes one to the root cause of the problem.