Bhastrika & Anulom Vilom pranayama for asthma
Tradition: Ayurveda · Evidence: Established
Structured Yogic breathing practices that retrain breathing patterns and improve symptom control in stable asthma.
Yogic pranayama is one of the most studied non-pharmacologic interventions for asthma. Anulom Vilom (alternate-nostril breathing) trains slow balanced respiration; Bhastrika is more activating and should be practiced cautiously. Multiple RCTs show improved PEFR, FEV1, and quality of life after 4-12 weeks of consistent practice.
Tradition context
Central to Ayurvedic management of respiratory disorders; increasingly prescribed by integrative pulmonologists in India.
Preparation
Seated practice, same time daily. Begin with 5 minutes, build to 15-20.
Typical dosing
Anulom Vilom 10-15 min daily. Bhastrika 1-3 min only and not during active flares.
Cautions
Bhastrika should be avoided during active attacks, uncontrolled hypertension, or late pregnancy.