Practice these 8 asanas regularly to activate the lungs and enhance immunity

Warm up with 1-2 sets of Moon Salutations.

1. Double angle

[ Efficacy ]

This inversion is very effective for relieving mild chest tightness. Every time you exhale, you can relax yourself and relieve the stress that has accumulated over the day.



[step]

(1) Stand with feet about 1.2 meters apart.

(2) Interlace your fingers behind your back (or use a stretch strap) and straighten your arms;

(3) Fold forward and lift the arms up towards the ceiling;

(4) Keep the balance of the legs so that the weight is evenly distributed on the feet;

(5) Take a deep breath, open the chest cavity, and clean the lungs.

2. Twisted double angle (variant)

[ Efficacy ]

This is an excellent asana to relieve tension and blockage in the chest.



[step]

(1) After entering from the double angle pose, place the left hand on the yoga block perpendicular to the sternum;

(2) Twist to the right to ensure uniform twist from coccyx to neck;

(3) Guide deep breathing to the side ribs for 3-6 times, the purpose of which is to relax the intercostal muscles and open the lungs;

(4) Switch to the other side and feel relaxed.

3. Hook squat

[ Efficacy ]

This simple pose is often challenging as energy and awareness build up in the feet and legs, try to soften them, feel the warmth, circulation, and awareness it brings.



[step]

(1) Curl the toes down in the four-legged bench pose and make the inner part of the foot close;

(2) Open your knees, sit on your heels, and raise your arms;

(3) Interlace your fingers and turn your palms to the sky. Relax your shoulders, close your chin slightly, and pay attention to your stomach as well;

(4) Guide the breath evenly to the side ribs, gently stretch the intercostal muscles and empty the lungs, and keep 6-10 deep breaths;

(5) Pay attention to relaxation, and then return to the four-legged bench.

4. Baby Pose (Variation)

[step]

(1) Put your hands and knees on the ground, lower your hips to your heels, and then stretch your arms forward into "Baby Pose".

(2) Move the hand to the left until the right torso feels a good stretch.

(3) Gently breathe through the right rib cage to relax and stretch the side torso. Hold for 6-10 soothing breathing cycles.

(4) Make the whole body soft and relaxed. Repeat on the other side.

5. Dolphin Pose

[ Efficacy ]

This inversion, which makes us warm, helps to cleanse and enhance lung function (earth life energy) while developing arm strength.



[step]

(1) Come to the four-legged bench pose, and the forearm is on the ground;

(2) Interlock your fingers, curl your toes, lift your knees and hips up, and straighten your legs;

(3) The head is naturally sagging, the hips are raised to lengthen the spine, and the heels and forearms press down on the ground;

(4) Hold for 3-6 breaths and stay for 1-2 seconds after each exhalation, which can gently increase the heat in the body.

6. Head to Knee Twist

[ Efficacy ]

This pose is great for helping us open up our chest and extend our legs.



[step]

(1) Cover your hands with stretch straps. Sit down with your legs stretched out in front of you.

(2) Bend your right knee and lower it to the floor, placing the ball of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh.

(3) Put your left hand on your right knee and your right hand on the floor of your right hip, twisting to the right.

(4) Lengthen the sides of the torso, then bring the right arm close to the right ear and bend to the side to reach the left foot (or tie a stretch strap to the foot).

(5) Grab the inside of your left foot with your left hand and turn your ribcage toward the ceiling.

(6) Take 3–6 breaths with the left rib cage.

(7) Then, carefully release the left foot and sit up. Repeat on the other side.

7. Rear bracket type

[ Efficacy ]

Backstand Pose is an excellent pose for opening the chest and freeing the lungs. It helps combat the curvature of the spine caused by everyday tasks such as typing, sitting and driving all day. Although this is a challenging pose, it gives us deep relaxation.



[step]

(1) In Cane Pose, place your hands on the floor behind your hips with your fingers pointing towards you.

(2) Raise your hips and press the balls of your feet into the floor. If comfortable, tilt your head back slowly.

(3) Take a deep breath and allow your front ribs to stretch gently as your body warms up from this strength-building pose.

(4) After 3-6 breaths, the buttocks fall back to the ground.

8. Supine Hero (Variation)

[ Efficacy ]

Stress can wreak havoc on the immune system, so soothing the nervous system and keeping the mind calm is the key to overall health.



[step]

(1) Place the folded blanket on the top of the throw pillow.

(2) Sit between your heels, then lie on a throw pillow with your head on the blanket.

(3) Pay attention to keep warm. Cover up with a blanket before diving into this energizing pose.

(4) Close your eyes (or use an eye pillow) and turn your palms up. Hold for 1-3 minutes and do gentle and deep yogic breathing, this process helps us promote good blood circulation.

(5) Gently release.