Yoga For Long COVID: Respiratory Health

Long COVID patients often experience respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Yoga can be a valuable tool in improving lung function and promoting respiratory health.

There are several yoga asanas (postures) that can help improve lung capacity and function. One such asana is the "Mountain Pose," which involves standing tall with the arms at the sides and the feet shoulder-width apart.

This posture helps expand the chest and improve lung capacity. Another beneficial asana is the "Bridge Pose," which involves lying on the back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the ground. This posture helps open up the chest and improve breathing.

In addition to asanas, pranayama (breathing) exercises can also be beneficial for long COVID patients. One such exercise is "Alternate Nostril Breathing," which involves closing one nostril with the thumb and inhaling through the other nostril, then closing that nostril with the ring finger and exhaling through the other nostril. This exercise helps improve lung capacity and respiratory function.

Overall, incorporating yoga into a long COVID patient's wellness program can help improve respiratory function and promote overall well-being. Aum Health's team of experienced yoga instructors can work with patients to develop a personalized yoga program that addresses their specific needs and symptoms.

Gentle Yoga for Long COVID

Gentle yoga can be an excellent option for long COVID patients who may not have the energy or stamina for more vigorous yoga practices. Gentle yoga focuses on slow, gentle movements that help improve flexibility, strength and balance while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Some beneficial gentle yoga asanas (postures) for long COVID patients may include:

• Child's Pose: This posture involves kneeling on the floor with the arms extended forward and the forehead resting on the ground. It helps release tension in the back and neck and promotes relaxation.
• Cat-Cow Pose: This posture involves moving between an arched spine (cow) and a rounded spine (cat) while on all fours. It helps improve spinal mobility and relieve tension in the back.
• Standing Forward Bend: This posture involves standing with the feet hip-width apart and folding forward at the hips, allowing the head and arms to hang. It helps release tension in the hamstrings and lower back and can promote relaxation.

In addition to gentle asanas, pranayama (breathing) exercises can also be beneficial for long COVID patients. One such exercise is "Sama Vritti Pranayama," which involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding the breath out for a count of four. This exercise can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Yoga For Long COVID: A Seated Sequence

For long COVID patients who may not have the energy or stamina for standing or more vigorous yoga practices, a seated yoga sequence can be an excellent option. Seated yoga focuses on gentle movements and stretches that can be done while sitting in a chair or on the floor.

Some beneficial seated yoga asanas (postures) for long COVID patients may include:

• Seated Forward Bend: This posture involves sitting with the legs extended forward and folding forward at the hips, reaching for the feet or ankles. It helps stretch the hamstrings, lower back, and hips and can promote relaxation.
• Seated Spinal Twist: This posture involves sitting with the legs extended forward and twisting the torso to one side, placing the opposite hand on the knee for support. It helps improve spinal mobility and can relieve tension in the back.
• Seated Cat-Cow: This posture involves sitting with the hands on the knees and moving between an arched spine (cow) and a rounded spine (cat). It helps improve spinal mobility and can relieve tension in the back.

In addition to seated asanas, pranayama (breathing) exercises can also be beneficial for long COVID patients. One such exercise is "Belly Breathing," which involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the belly to expand, and exhaling slowly through the mouth, allowing the belly to contract. This exercise can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Yoga For Long COVID: More Respiratory Help

Long COVID patients commonly experience respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Yoga can be a valuable tool in improving lung function and promoting respiratory health.

In addition to the previously mentioned asanas, there are other yoga asanas that can help improve lung function and promote respiratory health for long COVID patients.

One such asana is the "Fish Pose," which involves lying on the back with the arms at the sides and the palms down. The chest is lifted by using the forearms to support the upper body, and the head is tilted back so that the crown of the head is on the floor. This posture helps open up the chest and improve lung function. Another beneficial asana is the "Extended Triangle Pose," which involves standing with the feet about three feet apart and turning the right foot out 90 degrees. The torso is then rotated to the right, and the right arm is extended toward the right foot while the left arm is extended toward the ceiling. This posture helps stretch the lungs, chest, and spine, and can improve respiratory function.

In addition to asanas, pranayama (breathing) exercises can also be beneficial for long COVID patients. One such exercise is "Kapalabhati Pranayama," which involves exhaling forcefully through the nose while pulling the belly toward the spine, and then releasing the belly on the inhale. This exercise can help improve lung capacity and respiratory function.

Observing Your Breath: Mindfulness Meditation

Observing your breath is a mindfulness meditation technique that can be helpful for long COVID patients. This technique involves simply observing your breath as it naturally flows in and out of your body, without trying to control it or change it in any way.

To practice observing your breath, find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest and belly. Focus all of your attention on your breath, and if your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath.

Observing your breath can help long COVID patients reduce stress and anxiety by bringing their attention to the present moment and allowing them to let go of worries about the past or future. It can also help improve lung function by encouraging deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

Aum Health's team of experienced meditation instructors can work with patients to develop a personalized mindfulness meditation program that addresses their specific needs and symptoms. By incorporating mindfulness meditation into their wellness program, long COVID patients can improve their physical and mental well-being and promote overall healing and recovery.