When you think of yoga, you might imagine someone sitting with their eyes closed and looking very calm, despite the impossible-looking position their legs are in. Although slightly intimidating, this image actually shows the benefits of yoga; increased flexibility, controlled breathing and a sense of calm.1

But you don’t need to be able to get your foot behind your head to benefit from yoga. Studies have shown that simple breathing techniques alongside medication can help your oxygen levels and improve your COPD symptoms.2,3

Yoga for symptom control

Yoga is more than standing on one leg and saying, ‘Ommmm’. It covers a range of practices, including breathing, poses, chanting, prayer and meditation.1 But you don’t need to master them all to benefit:

  • Just two months of yoga practice (breathing and poses) has been shown to increase the amount of oxygen that gets into your blood when you breathe2
  • One simple yoga breathing exercise (without any poses) every day for 3 months could significantly increase your walking ability and reduce the impact of COPD symptoms on your life3

Before doing any new physical activity you need to talk to your healthcare professional. If they are happy for you to try yoga, a good way to get started is to find a class near you and speak to the instructor. They will be able to advise which classes would be suitable for you or suggest some simple exercises you can try at home.

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References

  1. Healthline. 16 benefits of yoga that are supported by science. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga
  2. Soni R, et al. Study of the effect of yoga training on diffusion capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A controlled trial. Int J Yoga 2012; 5(2):123–127.
  3. Kaminsky DA, et al. Effect of Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) on Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 23(9): 696–704.
  4. Sepulveda-Loyola W, et al. Diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical impact of sarcopenia in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cachexia, Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:1164–1176.
  5. Lehouck A, et al. COPD, bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Chest 2011; 139(3):648–657.
  6. Romme EAPM, et al. Fracture prevention in COPD patients; a clinical 5-step approach. Respir Res 2015; 16:32.