Lung Health After 35: Is the problem of breathlessness starting after the age of 35? Open your chest with these 6 yogasanas, lungs will get ‘super power’

Health Desk, New Delhi. Have you also started feeling tired quickly while climbing stairs or doing normal work? Often after crossing the age of 35, our chest muscles start becoming hard due to desk job, lack of physical activity and wrong posture. Due to this, the ribs are not able to expand completely and sufficient oxygen does not reach the lungs. According to doctors, Chest Opening Yoga not only increases the flow of oxygen in the body, but it also proves to be a panacea in reducing stress and improving posture. Why is Chest Opening Yoga important after 35? With increasing age, the flexibility of our connective tissues starts decreasing. Using a laptop or mobile for hours causes the shoulders to bend forward, which puts pressure on the lungs. Chest opening yoga reduces these effects and re-develops the habit of deep breathing, which increases the body’s efficiency and concentration. 6 Major Yogasanas that Strengthen the Lungs 1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose with Heart Lift) This asana sets the foundation for deep breathing. How to do: Standing straight, lift your chest slightly and leave the shoulders loose at the back. Benefits: It creates space for air to fill in the upper part of the lungs and corrects bad posture. 2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) This is one of the most powerful asanas to stretch the rib cage. How to do: Lie on your stomach and slowly lift the upper body with the help of hands. Keep the elbows slightly bent.Benefits: It stretches the chest muscles and increases the ability to absorb oxygen.3. Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose) This asana, along with opening the chest, also strengthens the back and hips. How to do: Lie on your back, bend your knees and raise your hips. Benefits: It increases blood circulation in the upper body and improves oxygen delivery. 4. Seated Chest Expansion: This is best for those people who work sitting on a chair all day. How to do: Sitting straight, take both your hands back and interlace the fingers and pull the shoulders back. Benefits: This can be done even while working in the office and gives an instant refreshing feeling. 5. Uttan Shishosasana (Puppy Pose) It deeply relaxes the shoulders and upper spine. How to do: Sitting on the knees, extend the hands forward and move the chest towards the ground. Benefits: It opens the areas where breathing is obstructed due to tension. 6. Supported Fish Pose: This is the most comfortable and effective chest opener after the age of 35. How to do: Place a cushion or folded blanket under the upper back and lie down on it. Benefits: It opens the chest passively without any strain and is also helpful in inducing deep sleep.[Image showing Supported Fish Pose with a yoga bolster or cushion under the upper back]5 basic mantras of safety during exercise Warm-up: Make the body a little dynamic before starting the difficult asana. Slow pace: Do not force any body part. Take support: If you have neck or back pain, make sure to use a cushion or block. Attention to breathing: It is more important than the depth of the asana that you keep breathing deeply and rhythmically. Regularity: Practice at least 4-5 days a week. Improve lung health once a day. It doesn’t work, but with continued practice you will notice a noticeable change in your energy and breathing ability.