Design and implementation of a highly efficacious new yoga breathing and relaxation protocol for asthma: A discussion and summary

Abstract

Asthma presents a global problem to health of high prevalence; often life-long, typical onset in late teenage years, and no hope of reversal. Also, problems of long-term management with drugs present patients with endless suffering: poor quality of life due to reduced pulmonary function and associated psychological problems. There is thus great need for more effective management, and identification of any possible route to cure. Yoga therapy offers a promising alternative. Studies of specially designed yoga protocols over the past 40 years have shown benefits for all the above problem areas. However, challenges have led to high dropout levels. Some postures may have been too difficult for all to perform, while overall yoga modules may have required too much time for all patients to practice regularly. Despite patients with asthma feeling that Yoga brings benefits, few have practiced it with enough persistence to gain control of their condition. This short communication summarizes two recent papers describing, (a) the development of a short, easy to practise yoga module, and (b) assessment of its efficacy in all three areas by a 90-day randomized control trial. The module's five carefully selected components include four breathing practices and a relaxation exercise, which could be done by anyone, even those new to yoga. Popularity with participants led to zero dropouts, while its efficacy proved extremely high in all areas assessed. These results also offer insights into developing further easily-practised yoga adjuvant therapy modules for chronic conditions other than asthma.