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5 Simple Yoga Asanas To Strengthen Lungs

Simple Yoga Asanas

Lungs are the most important organs of the body as it involves the breathing process. Proper functioning of the lungs is critical for all the other body parts to function well. Recent pandemics including COVID-19, SARI and ILI infections are related to respiratory tract, especially the Lungs, making pulmonary health most important for everyone to prevent and manage these infections. Though we all know Pranayamas are controlled breathing or breathing exercises in Yoga, actual control of breathing starts with Yoga Asanas or the postures. Each Asana has its own breathing pattern. Breath or Prana is the primary source of energy or the force that keeps us alive. So, it is important to keep our lungs healthy and strong. Practising simple yoga asanas can have huge benefits on our lungs and overall health. Here are 5 simple Yoga Asanas which can strengthen our lungs with other benefits.

Simple Yoga Asanas To Strengthen Lungs 

1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
simple yoga asanasThis posture fills the lungs with plenty of fresh air while we inhale and expands the rib cage and abdomen.  All the alveoli in the lungs are filled with extra oxygen and this enhances the performance of the lungs.

Method:

  • Stand straight with both the feet 2 inches apart
  • Inhale deep and raise both arms over the head and interlock fingers of both hands with palms facing up
  • Lift both the heels slowly while slowly raising your entire body upwards
  • Balance your entire body on your toes
  • Holding the position for few seconds while inhaling and exhaling normally
  • Slowly exhale while lowering the hands and heals down
  • Come to the rest position

2. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
This Asana opens up the chest cavity and lets the airways open for the lungs to get the air easily.

Method:

  • From standing straight position to spread your legs apart for 3-4 feet
  • Turn the right foot facing out 90 degrees toward right
  • Turn the left foot about 30 degrees inwards to the right
  • Inhale and raise both the arms up on the sides. Shoulder should be relaxed
  • Exhale and slowly bend your body onto the right side
  • Try to touch your right foot as much as possible with the right hand until the body is parallel to the ground and spine is straight
  • Slowly lift the left arm upward in line with the right arm
  • Hold this position for few seconds while looking up toward the tip of left hand
  • Slowly inhale and raise up your body. Exhale and bring down the arms on your sides
  • Repeat the same on the other side now

3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Fish Pose)
This posture expands the chest and lungs on both sides

Method:

  • Sit on the floor with the legs stretched in front of you with feet together
  • Bend the right knee and keep the right foot with sole up
  • Sit on the right heel so that the left side of the sitting fits on the arch of the right sole
  • Now take the left foot over the right side of the right knee
  • Keep the left foot flat on the floor
  • Relax the shoulder and straighten up the spine
  • Now place the right arm on the outside of the left knee with hand and facing up
  • Inhale while lifting the rib and exhale while slowly twisting the spine towards the left
  • Keep the right pal flat on the back of your right foot
  • Turn your head towards the back from left side
  • Maintain the pose for few seconds
  • Slowly exhale and get back to the sitting position
  • Repeat the same on the other side

4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Though there are many benefits through this pose, it expands the chest and lungs to improve the lung capacity

Method:

  • Lie down with face down and feet together
  • Forehead should be touching the ground
  • Place the both the palms on side of your shoulders
  • Elbows are close to the body
  • Inhale and tighten the hip and the tailbone
  • As you exhale drawing the shoulders back, life the upper body
  • Back and abdominal muscles are stretched
  • Look straight or towards the ceiling as much as you are comfortable
  • Hold the position for few seconds
  • Exhale and return to the face down lying position

5. Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
simple yoga asanasThis is one among the easy poses that is easy for everyone. This is also called as child pose or Baalasana. It improves the lung capacity, expands the back part of the lungs, relieves upper and lower back issues and also spine issues

Method:

  • Sit in Vajrasana (Sitting on your feet with soles facing up and knees bent)
  • Inhale and slowly raise both the arms upwards straight above the head
  • Your abdomen and chest cavity are raised up with spine erect in this position
  • Now slowly exhale and bend forward with the spine erect
  • Let the abdomen rest on your knees
  • Hand stretched straight and rested on the floor above the head
  • Maintain this position for few seconds to few minutes while breathing normally
  • Inhale and raise your body and arms up
  • Get back to the Vajrasana position

All these Asanas have many other benefits on our health including increased flexibility, metabolism, toning the abdominal muscles and spinal health. People with back issues, neck issues, spine issues need to be cautious while doing any Yoga postures. It is always good to learn Yoga Asanas under good guidance. People having serious or chronic medical issues need to consult their doctors before doing Yoga.

We hope you try out these 5 simple yoga asanas to strengthen lungs and level up your health! For more articles on yoga, check out Healthy Reads or learn them in LIVE sessions conducted by yoga specialists on GOQii Play. 

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Healthy Ayurvedic Concoctions To Boost Immunity

ayurvedic concoctionsAyurveda, the “Science of Life” is an invaluable treasure to India from our ancestors which is trending in the current pandemic situation. According to classical texts, the aim of Ayurveda is “To maintain the health of a healthy person through prevention and to treat the health issues of a sick person”. Our body needs to maintain good metabolism and immunity to fight against foreign invaders like germs and other external disease-causing factors. So, it is critical for us to maintain and boost our immunity on a regular basis to maintain our health. Ayurvedic concoctions are the best and easy choice to make at home yourself and have it frequently.

Ayurvedic Concoctions can be basically made with dry herbs, or dry herb powders or some of the fresh herbs too. As the herbs are boiled in water, the water absorbs all the therapeutic properties from the herbs making it better for digestion and absorption into our body.

5 Varieties of Ayurvedic Concoctions For Immunity 

1. Turmeric-Pepper Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Turmeric powder –  ¼ tsp
  • Black pepper Powder –  ¼ tsp
  • Jeera –  ¼ tsp
  • Water – 1 glass
  • Lemon – 1 tsp 
  • Himalayan Pink salt/Sea salt/Rock salt  –  ¼ tsp

Method: Mix turmeric, pepper and jeera in water and boil it for 3-5 mins to bring it down to 1 cup of concoction. Add lemon and salt before you sip the warm concoction.

Benefits: 

  • The Cucumin in Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has an immune modulatory effect which enhances metabolism and boosts immunity.
  • Piperine in Black Pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin making it a good combination with Turmeric. It is a rich antioxidant that prevents cell damage, increases  the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and selenium, helps in easy digestion, and controls blood sugar levels.
  • Jeera is a great source of iron besides potassium, helps in building immune system
  • Lemon, high in Vitamin C can fight against bacterial and viral infections by enhancing immune system

2. Fenugreek-Coriander Concoction

Ingredients:  

  • Fenugreek/Methi seeds – ½ tsp
  • Coriander/Dhaniya seeds – ½ tsp
  • Water – 1.5 glass
  • Milk (Optional) – ¼ cup
  • Jaggery –  ¼ – ½ tsp 

Method: Soak Methi and Coriander seeds in 1.5 glass of water for 30-60 mins. Boil it for 5-8 mins to reduce it to ¾ cup. You can add milk at this stage and boil it for 1 more minute. Turn the heat off and add jaggery just before drinking.

Benefits:

  • Methi/Fenugreek may help to reduce the risk of bacterial fungal and viral infections. It generates heat in the body and is excellent for Kapha dominant people with weaker immunity.
  • Coriander has powerful antioxidants that prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
  • Jaggery is a natural sweetener rich in iron, zinc, and selenium.

3. Pomegranate Peel Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Peel of half pomegranate
  • Raw Honey – 1 tsp 
  • Water – 1 glass

Method: Boil a glass of water. Put the pomegranate peel in the boiling water. Let it boil for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover it for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey to the concoction, before you sip it warm.

Benefits:

  • Pomegranate peels help in restoring overall health. It acts as a liver detox. It soothes sore throat and stomach infections. It helps in dental hygiene and promotes healthy cell growth.
  • Pomegranate peels can be dried and stored as a powder or peel to use it for a long time.
  • Raw honey has healing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Phytonutrients in honey can boost the immunity.

4. Licorice-Ginger Concoction 

Ingredients:

  • 1 inch Licorice root or ¼ tsp of licorice powder
  • 2-3 slices of ginger or ¼ tsp of ginger powder / ginger paste
  • Water – 1 glass
  • Raw Honey – 1 tsp 

Method: Heat 1 glass of water. Add ginger powder and licorice powder. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey before you enjoy this concoction.

Benefits: 

  • Licorice Cleanses respiratory system as it is a strong decongestant, a natural remedy for cold, cough, sore throat, and flu
  • Ginger is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory in nature and helpful in reducing cough. It also enhances the immune response and is good for digestion

5. Onion-Cinnamon Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Onion – 1 small (diced) 
  • Cardamom Powder – ½ tsp
  • Cinnamon Powder – ¼ tsp
  • Water – 2 cups 
  • Jaggery – 1 tsp 

Method: Bring 2 glasses of water to boil, add all the ingredients and bring it down to 1 cup of liquid.  Simmer for 15 mins and sip it while it is warm.

Benefits:

  • Onions are rich in flavonoids that help in fighting infections and inflammation. It is extremely useful in strengthening the capillary walls of the lungs and prevents the damage of bronchial tubes in any respiratory infections
  • Cardamom and Cinnamon are anti-inflammatory and effective remedies for cold, and flu as they impart warmth to our body. Both spices are among the ingredients in most commonly used Ayurvedic cough medicines like Sitopaladi churna and Thaleesapatradi churna.  

These Ayurvedic Concoctions can be consumed once at any time of the day for about 2-3 days in a week preferably with a gap to maintain the metabolism and boost the immunity. Children under the age of 12 can have ½ a cup of any of these. People with diabetes should be cautious about the amount of honey and jaggery that they add – lesser the better. These are just preventive remedies and effective with mild symptoms of flu or cough and cold. Medical advice is always suggested with moderate to severe symptoms.

Before trying any of these, do consult your doctor in case you have any allergies. Try these Ayurvedic Concoctions at home and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

For more Ayurvedic Remedies or immunity boosting tips, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to GOQii Play. 

Stay home, stay safe, boost your immunity and #BeTheForce

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Breathing Exercises To Strengthen Lungs

breathing exercisesHave you ever wondered how many breaths we all take in our lifetime? On average we take about 675 million breaths in 80 years of life. Breathing frequency and type are different in different stages of our life depending on age, altitude, pollution levels, smoking, weather and other factors. Our lungs are the main organs of respiration as they are responsible for an exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to keep the heart, brain, and other functioning of the body normal. Lung function and lung capacity are determined through the efficiency of exchange of oxygen (O2) and CO2 in our lungs. Any ailments with lungs can affect the health of the entire body. Have you ever thought about keeping your lungs healthy too? We can enhance lung capacity, which means the quantity of air a lung can hold. Certain breathing exercises can help the body make use of all the oxygen inhaled by our lungs in a better way. Here are three simple breathing techniques to strengthen our lung capacity.

Pursed lip breathing

Pursed lip breathing is a simple breathing exercise which helps in slowing down breathing and emptying the Lungs completely.

Method:

  • Sit in a comfortable position, relax the shoulders, neck, rest the tongue on the floor of the mouth and close your eyes gently
  • Inhale through the nose for 2-3 seconds
  • Purse your lips as when you blow the candlea
  • Breath out all the air slowly for 4-6 seconds
  • Repeat this for about 5 minutes

This type of breathing can also be done when someone feels shortness of breath during or after exercise or any heavy work which lets plenty of air in and out of the lungs that helps in restoring the normal breathing pattern.

Diaphragmatic or Belly breathing

How often in a day do we pay attention to our breathing pattern? Do you do shallow breathing or deep breathing? The diaphragm is the main sheet of muscle in between the chest and the abdomen that helps in respiration. But, usually, we develop the habit of breathing through chest, neck and shoulder muscles which limits the amount of air filling in and out of our lungs. Belly breathing strengthens the diaphragm and enhances the pulmonary efficiency. Here is the best way to train yourself for diaphragmatic breathing.

Method:

  • Lie down on your back on a flat surface with the knees bent or sit comfortably on a chair with neck, shoulder and head relaxed
  • Place your one hand lightly on your abdomen and the other hand on the chest
  • Inhale deeply through the nose for 2-3 seconds as you fill all the air towards your abdomen
  • Pay attention to the hand on the abdomen moving up while making sure hand on the chest is not moving up
  • Now exhale all the air through the mouth (Pursed lips) while tightening the abdomen inwards. Make sure the hand on your abdomen is moving down
  • Repeat this breathing for 5-10 minutes to get the maximum benefits

Alternate Nostril breathing

This is a type of deep and slow breathing in Yoga in which inhaling, and exhaling happens through alternate nostrils.  Long term practice of this breathing improves the total capacity of the lungs while boosting the pulmonary function markers. It is also meant to purify the lungs and the circulatory system throughout the body.

Method:

  • Sit straight on a flat surface with relaxed shoulders and neck
  • Start with deep inhalation and slow exhalation couple of times or for a minute
  • While folding the index and middle fingers of the right hand, make Vishnu mudra to close the right nostril with right thumb and left nostril with ring finger
  • At first, close the right nostril and slowly exhale through left nostril
  • Keep the right nostril closed and slowly inhale through the left nostril and feel all the air going upwards while filling all the air deep down till the abdomen
  • Once you inhale all the air possible, pause briefly for 2 seconds
  • Now close the left nostril with the ring finger and release thumb to open the right nostril
  • Exhale out all the air through the right nostril with a pause of 2 second at the end
  • As your still closing the left nostril, inhale slowly through the right nostril letting all the air into right side of the body with a short pause of 2 seconds at the end
  • Again, close the right nostril and open the left nostril to exhale all the air out

This is considered as one round of alternate nostril breathing. Continue this pattern for 5-10 minutes to get the maximum benefits.

Practising one or more of these breathing exercises under good guidance is proven to strengthen our lungs. Be sure to do these breathing exercises on an empty stomach as a safety measure. These are short yet very effective ways to strengthen our lungs and boost our immunity as well – a much needed thing for today’s times! 

For more breathing exercises, meditation techniques and yoga, tune in to experts on GOQii Play. 

Stay home, stay safe, get active and #BeTheForce

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Why You Should Eat Oranges During Winter!

oranges during winterAs winter hits the city, we find a lot of fruit carts loaded with Oranges. The best part about oranges during winter is that they are quite nutritious and healthier for the body. You might think that during winter, the body craves warm, spicy food but there are many reasons to not ignore this tasty citrus fruit.

5 Reasons to Eat Oranges During Winter

1. Boost Immunity

Winter has a notorious reputation of causing common cold, congestion and recurrent ear infections. Oranges are rich in Phytonutrients, Vitamin C and antioxidants which boost our immunity. This way, they help prevent common cold, congestion and related ailments.

2. Good for Skin and Hair

Oranges provide about 120 per cent of daily Vitamin C value that is required by the body. Vitamin C in Oranges helps the body to produce collagen that is required to maintain healthy skin and hair. Apart from this, Vitamin A in oranges keeps the hair moisturized by increasing sebum secretion. If you want radiant skin, smooth hair, and delayed ageing, eat an orange every day. Antioxidants in oranges prevent skin damage caused by free radicals. Orange peel can be used as a face mask which is excellent for preventing and fighting acne on the face.

3. Protects Heart Health

Oranges are high in fiber, Vitamin B6, potassium and Vitamin C, which are known to improve heart health. Oranges improve iron absorption in the body and Vitamin B6 supports the production of haemoglobin. Hence, if you have iron deficiency, it’s good to intake oranges along with Iron supplements. Magnesium present in Oranges keeps the cholesterol in check.

4. Enhances Digestion

Oranges are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers which support gut health. Soluble fibers help feed the healthy bacteria in our gut. But make sure you eat the white fibers in Oranges along with the pulp to get this benefit. Insoluble fibers draw the water into the gut to make the stool soft and easier to pass. So, oranges can prevent constipation and irritable bowel syndrome to some extent.

5. Easy Go-To-Snack

There can’t be a better fruit snack than an orange! We don’t need to cut them and they are easy to peel. Oranges are nearly fat-free and sodium-free with as low as 60 calories and can make a good mid-morning or afternoon snack at work or at home. As they are rich in fibers, they can keep you full for a longer time. So Oranges can make a great weight-loss snack as well.

Interesting Fact:

Did you know Orange peel taken internally has double the health benefits than the actual fruit part? Orange peels contain flavonoids which can protect the heart, are good for digestion, and help to prevent allergies.  They are good for boosting immunity, reduce bad breath and good for skin. Save the Orange peels, boil them in water and it can be made into a chutney grinding the peels with coconut, tamarind, jaggery, red chili and salt. It tastes the best and is healthy too!

Don’t forget to snack on Oranges in winter to stay healthy! We hope this blog helps you. Want to know about more fruits? Tune in to our expert nutritionists on GOQii Play. Subscribe now and #BeTheForce.

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