Bhujangasana for People with Breathing Difficulties: Strengthen Your Lungs with Cobra Pose

Do you often experience shortness of breath? Do conditions like asthma, COPD, or bronchitis make it difficult for you to breathe deeply? If so, Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) can be a highly effective yoga pose to improve your lung function and ease breathing difficulties.

Bhujangasana, also known as the Cobra Pose, is a simple yet powerful yoga asana that helps expand the chest, strengthen the lungs, and regulate breathing. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory issues.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Bhujangasana is, how it works, and how practicing it daily can help manage breathing problems. Read on to learn how to perform this pose correctly and improve your lung health naturally!

What Is Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)?

Bhujangasana is a backbend yoga pose that resembles a cobra lifting its hood, hence the name Cobra Pose. This asana expands the rib cage, stretches the chest, and improves lung capacity, making breathing easier.

By practicing Bhujangasana regularly, you can increase oxygen intake, strengthen respiratory muscles, and reduce breathlessness.

Benefits of Bhujangasana for People with Breathing Problems

Bhujangasana is not just a stretching exercise—it has numerous benefits for people with respiratory issues. Here’s how it helps:

✅ Expands the lungs and improves breathing – Helps in deeper oxygen intake.
✅ Reduces shortness of breath – Beneficial for asthma and COPD patients.
✅ Removes trapped air from the lungs – Enhances lung function and reduces congestion.
✅ Strengthens chest muscles – Improves posture and increases breathing efficiency.
✅ Controls breathing patterns – Helps manage stress-induced breathlessness.
✅ Increases oxygen circulation in the body – Reduces fatigue and enhances energy levels.

How to Perform Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)?

Bhujangasana is an easy-to-practice yoga pose that can be done daily. However, if you have severe breathing issues, start slowly and follow the correct technique.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bhujangasana

🟢 Step 1: Lie on Your Stomach
Lie flat on a yoga mat with your legs stretched out and feet together.

🟢 Step 2: Place Your Hands Under Your Shoulders
Keep your palms flat on the floor under your shoulders, elbows slightly bent.

🟢 Step 3: Keep Your Toes Pointed Backward
Extend your legs and point your toes outward while keeping your legs close together.

🟢 Step 4: Inhale and Lift Your Upper Body
Take a deep breath through your nose and slowly lift your chest and head upward, keeping your lower body on the floor.

🟢 Step 5: Hold the Position for 10-20 Seconds
Stay in this position, breathing normally, and feel your lungs expand.

🟢 Step 6: Exhale and Lower Your Body
Slowly exhale through your mouth and bring your chest back to the floor.

🟢 Step 7: Repeat the Exercise
Perform this pose 5-6 times, gradually increasing the duration.

When Should You Practice Bhujangasana?

Bhujangasana can be performed anytime, but for best results, try these specific times:

🔹 Early in the morning on an empty stomach – Helps activate the lungs for the day.
🔹 When experiencing shortness of breath – Expands the lungs and eases breathing.
🔹 Before and after physical activity – Prepares the body for exercise and promotes relaxation.
🔹 During moments of stress or anxiety – Helps control breathing and calm the mind.

Tips for Practicing Bhujangasana Safely

✅ Practice on an empty stomach – Ideally, perform it in the morning or at least 2 hours after a meal.
✅ Breathe deeply and slowly – Avoid taking sudden or forceful breaths.
✅ Maintain proper posture – Incorrect posture can cause back pain.
✅ Practice regularly – Spend at least 10-15 minutes daily for best results.

Precautions While Practicing Bhujangasana

⚠ Avoid this pose if you are pregnant.
⚠ People with spinal injuries should consult a doctor before practicing.
⚠ If you feel dizziness or discomfort, stop immediately and rest.

Additional Tips for Managing Breathing Problems

✔ Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water helps keep the airways clear.
✔ Avoid smoking and pollution – Harmful air pollutants can worsen lung conditions.
✔ Maintain an active lifestyle – Light exercises and yoga can enhance lung function.
✔ Use a humidifier – Moist air can make breathing easier.

Final Thoughts

Bhujangasana is a simple yet powerful yoga pose that helps expand the lungs, improve oxygen intake, and make breathing easier. Whether you have asthma, COPD, or simply want to breathe better, incorporating this pose into your daily routine can bring long-term benefits.

Start practicing Bhujangasana today and experience the difference! Have questions or want to share your experience? Let us know in the comments! 🫁💙