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The latest buzz in complementary therapies for asthma is yoga. More and more asthma sufferers are rediscovering this ancient Indian healing art, which supports the body's natural detoxification process and boosts immunity to, for example, allergens that may be responsible for triggering asthma attacks.

Certain yoga poses are especially beneficial for toning and expanding the chest and lungs. Combining these poses with correct yogic breathing exercises (Pranayama) increases the benefits of these poses for the respiratory system.

An easy pose to try at home, which does not require any specific breathing exercise is the Camel Pose (pictured).

Instructions:

1. Go down onto knees and lift buttocks off the floor, arms resting at your sides (you can separate the knees slightly to make the pose easier)

2. Lean back slowly. Reach for the left heel with the left hand, then move your right hand to your right foot

3. Push hips forward and focus your awareness on the back stretch

4. Relax the back muscles and bend your head back slowly and as far as is comfortable

5. Hold pose (start out with only a few moments and work your way up to 3 minutes total)

6. Release the pose by slowly releasing your hands one at a time

7. Move into a forward bending pose such as Childs Pose

The Camel Pose stretches the chest and helps your body to expand, tone and relax the airways. Additionally this pose also stretches the stomach and abdominal muscles, giving your digestive system an extra boost so it can eliminate toxins (the build up of which may also be contributing to your asthma) from your system.

Editor's tip: Eucalyptus oil is a great way to expand and clear the airways and also has purifying properties. I use it on my daughter when she has a cold. Rubbing just a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in the palms of your hands and inhaling them prior to doing this pose could give your yoga practice that extra boost!