Cobra Pose and Lung Health

As a seasoned yoga vet, my daily exercise focuses around stretching, breathwork, and postures that help reduce inflammation in my body. Doing sun salutations (surya namaskar) is a proven practice to reduce inflammation. A study found that survivors of cancer who attended a 90-minute yoga class twice a week for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in inflammation. It’s a daily practice for me and I highly recommend it for you, too. 

Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response to injury and illness, as it helps to fight off germs and promote healing. However, chronic inflammation can damage the body over an extended period of time. Lung inflammation can damage the thin tissue lining the lungs’ air sacs, making them less flexible and increasing blood pressure in the lungs. It can also cause respiratory distress syndrome.

The cobra pose, also known as Bhujangasana in Sanskrit, is a yoga pose that has many benefits. It can help improve lung health by opening the chest, also strengthening back muscles, and most importantly supporting a healthy heart. Increased blood circulation also gives you healthy flushed cheeks, making your skin shine. It supports lung capacity, which is therapeutic for people with asthma, calms the brain, relieves stress and fatigue, stimulates abdominal organs, and helps clear the passages of the heart and lungs.

The cobra pose is simple but powerful. Your abdomen, chest, shoulders, and spine (even your buttocks, legs, ankles and feet) will thank you.

3 cobra variations: 1- low cobra elbows and hands close to body far back 2- half cobra pose extending arms slight bend in elbows 3- full cobra pose extended arms with a micro bend in elbows. Chest is always opened, shoulders are back and down, and face is looking forward. Eyes can look upward opened or closed.

How To:

1- Lie on your stomach on the floor. Keep your  hands on either side of your shoulders. Arms, head, shoulders, feet should all be touching the floor.

2- On an inhale, slowly lift your chest off the floor. Straighten your shoulders and look upward towards the sky. Hips, thighs, and feet should be on the floor.

3- Hold the pose for close to 30 seconds and breathe easily.

4- Exhale and release your body to the starting position lying on your stomach.

5- Transition to a resting child’s pose.

Love and honor your lungs, 
Genia