11 Life-Changing Yoga Asanas for Lung Health You Can Start Today!

Ever feel like your lungs are just… tired? Like they’re carrying the weight of the world, or maybe just the weight of city smog? We’ve all had those moments, gasping for air after climbing a flight of stairs or feeling that tightness in our chest after a stressful day. You know, when breathing feels less like a natural rhythm and more like a chore? It’s not just about physical health, is it? It’s about feeling trapped, like your body’s holding you hostage. Now, what if I told you there’s a way to unlock that cage, to breathe freely again? 
 

Forget any fancy thing. What if the answer lies in something ancient, something that connects your mind and body in a way you’ve never experienced? Let’s talk about yoga for lung health. Yeah, yoga. Not just for flexibility or zen vibes but for real, tangible relief. Imagine yoga poses for breathing problems, turning each inhale into a sigh of release. Imagine lung exercise yoga, transforming your breath from shallow gasps to deep, life-affirming inhales. We’re not talking about complicated contortions here, just simple, powerful movements that can make a world of difference. 
 

Let’s take a look at these 11 life-changing yoga for healthy lungs asanas you can start today, and rediscover the joy of simply breathing.
 

Table Of Contents 

1. Which Yoga Is Best For Lungs? 11 Best Yoga Asanas For Lungs 
2. Does Pranayama Clear Lungs? Best Pranayama Yoga For Improving Lung Capacity
3. 8 Incredible Benefits of Yoga For Lungs And Breathing
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References 
    

Which Yoga Is Best For Lungs? 11 Best Yoga Asanas For Lungs 

Here are the best yoga classes for lungs: 
 

1. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

The Cobra Pose expands the chest and stretches the lungs, making it one of the best yoga asanas for the lungs. This yoga asana for back pain increases lung elasticity, improves oxygen intake, and strengthens respiratory muscles. This yoga for healthy lungs also stimulates the diaphragm, aiding in better breathing efficiency.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie down on your stomach and extend your legs and palms under your shoulders. 
2. Press into your palms, slowly lifting your chest while keeping elbows slightly bent.
3. Open your chest, tilt your head slightly back, and take deep breaths.
4. Hold for 20–30 seconds, then gently release back down. Repeat 2-3 times.
    

2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

This yoga pose to boost your immunity improves lung function by opening up the rib cage and increasing lung capacity. It enhances circulation, clears congestion, and strengthens the diaphragm, making it a great lung exercise yoga.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the floor.
2. Rest your arms at your sides.
3. Press into your feet and lift your hips while engaging your core.
4. Open your chest, breathe deeply, and hold for 30 seconds before lowering slowly. Repeat twice.
    

3. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

The Camel Pose deeply stretches the chest and lungs, allowing better airflow and improved breathing. It increases lung capacity and helps clear toxins, making it an effective yoga for improving lung capacity.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Drop down on the floor with knees hip-width apart.
2. Place hands on the lower back and slowly arch backward.
3. Reach for your heels while keeping your chest lifted and breathing deeply.
4. Hold for 20 seconds, then slowly come back up. Repeat twice.
    

4. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

The Fish Pose enhances lung function by stretching the intercostal muscles between the ribs. It promotes deep breathing, clears congestion, and supports yoga poses for breathing problems.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your back with legs extended.
2. Place hands under hips and lift the chest while arching the back.
3. Drop the head backward, breathing deeply and expanding the lungs.
4. Hold for 20–30 seconds before releasing. Repeat twice.
    

5. Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

This pose strengthens the respiratory system by opening the lungs and improving oxygen intake. It enhances breath control and is ideal yoga for the lungs and breathing.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your stomach, hands under shoulders, legs extended.
2. Press into palms, lifting your chest while keeping elbows straight.
3. Engage the core, roll shoulders back, and breathe deeply.
4. Hold for 30 seconds before lowering. Repeat twice.
    

Also Read: 10 Most Effective Breathing Exercises For Lungs To Help You Inhale Wellness And Exhale Stress! 
 

6. Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)

The Wheel Pose fully expands the lungs, improving their efficiency and strengthening the diaphragm. It boosts lung capacity, making it great yoga for improving lung capacity.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your hands beside your ears.
2. Press into palms and feet, lifting hips and arching the back.
3. Open the chest wide, take deep breaths, and hold for 15-20 seconds.
4. Slowly lower down and rest before repeating.
    

7. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

The Bow Pose stretches the chest, expands lung tissue, and improves airflow, helping with yoga poses for breathing problems. It also strengthens respiratory muscles for better breath control.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your stomach, bend your knees, and reach for your ankles.
2. Inhale and lift your chest and legs, forming a bow shape.
3. Keep breathing deeply, holding the pose for 20 seconds.
4. Exhale and slowly release. Repeat twice.
    

8. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

Apart from being a good yoga pose to improve digestion, this gentle movement improves lung function by increasing oxygen intake and circulation. It enhances breath coordination and is great yoga for healthy lungs.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Get on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
2. Inhale, arch your back, and look up (Cow Pose).
3. Exhale, round your spine, and tuck your chin (Cat Pose).
4. Repeat 10 times, flowing with your breath.
    

9. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

The child’s Pose relaxes the chest, encourages deep breathing, and helps clear congestion, making it a useful yoga asana for the lungs. It also relieves stress, which affects breathing patterns.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Kneel, sit back on your heels, and extend your arms forward.
2. Lower your forehead to the floor, keeping your chest open.
3. Take deep, slow breaths and hold for 30 seconds.
4. Slowly rise and repeat twice.
    

10. Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

This pose improves lung function by enhancing chest expansion and breath awareness. It promotes relaxation and deeper breathing, supporting yoga for lungs and breathing.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and drop them to one side.
2. Extend the opposite arm and look in the opposite direction.
3. Breathe deeply, holding for 30 seconds.
4. Switch sides and repeat twice.
    

11. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Mountain Pose encourages deep, rhythmic breathing and strengthens the lungs. It improves posture, allowing better oxygen intake, making it an essential lung exercise yoga.
 

To Do This Yoga For Lungs:

1. Stand tall with feet together and arms at your sides.
2. Engage your core, lift your chest, and lengthen your spine.
3. Inhale deeply, reaching your arms overhead if it's comfortable.
4. Hold for 30 seconds, focusing on deep breathing. Repeat twice.
    

Also Read: 13 Incredible Lung-Cleansing Foods You Didn't Know About And Effective Ways to Detox Your Lungs! 
 

Does Pranayama Clear Lungs? Best Pranayama Yoga For Improving Lung Capacity

Pranayama, the yogic practice of breath control, can indeed play a helpful role in supporting lung health. It's not about "clearing" lungs in the sense of removing physical debris, but more about optimising lung function. 
 

You can consciously regulate your breathing, increase lung capacity, improve oxygen flow, and strengthen the muscles involved in respiration. This can lead to a feeling of greater ease and efficiency in your breathing. Regular pranayama practice can also help to calm the nervous system, which in turn can positively impact respiratory health.   
 

Here are 5-6 pranayama techniques that are particularly beneficial for improving lung capacity:
 

1. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath):

• This involves rapid and forceful inhalations and exhalations, like a blacksmith's bellows.   
• It helps to energise the body, increase oxygen intake, and clear out stale air from the lungs.   
• It is a very good exercise for increasing lung capacity.
   

2. Kapal Bhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath):

• This technique focuses on forceful exhalations and passive inhalations.
• It helps to purify the respiratory system, strengthen the diaphragm, and improve lung function.   
• It also helps to remove toxins.   
   

3. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing):

• This involves alternating breathing between the left and right nostrils.   
• It helps to balance the nervous system, improve respiratory efficiency, and calm the mind.   
• It is a very good exercise for overall well being.
   

4. Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath):

• This technique involves a gentle constriction of the throat, producing a soft, ocean-like sound.   
• It helps to calm the mind, regulate body temperature, and improve lung capacity.   
• It is a calming pranayama.  
   

5. Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Part Breath):

• This is a deep breathing technique that uses the lower, middle, and upper lobes of the lungs.   
• This exercise helps to increase total lung capacity and helps to bring calm.   
• This is a very good exercise for beginners.
   

6. Brahmari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath):

• This technique involves making a humming sound during exhalation.
• This helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, which in turn helps with breathing.   
• This exercise also helps with sinus issues.   
   

Also Read: Lungs Detox: Juices And Smoothies For Lungs Detoxification 
 

8 Incredible Benefits of Yoga For Lungs And Breathing

Here are the benefits of yoga for healthy lungs:
 

Also Read: 7 Best Herbal Teas For Lungs — Fight Back Against Asthma, Pollution & Allergies! 
 

The Final Say

Taking care of your lungs doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few minutes of yoga a day can make a big difference. These simple yoga poses help you breathe better, improve lung function, and bring more energy into your life. Whether you're dealing with breathing issues or just want healthier lungs, yoga is a natural and powerful way to feel better. Start small, stay consistent, and soon, every breath will feel lighter and stronger. Your lungs will thank you!
 

FAQs

1. Which Mudra is best for the lungs?

Linga Mudra is the best for lung health as it generates heat, boosts immunity, and clears congestion.
 

2. How can I make my lungs stronger?

To strengthen your lungs, practice deep breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing and pranayama daily. Engage in regular physical activity, especially cardio workouts like running or swimming, to increase lung capacity. Avoid smoking, reduce exposure to pollution, and eat antioxidant-rich foods for better lung health.
 

3. Which yoga increases oxygen levels?

Yoga poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra), Dhanurasana (Bow), and Matsyasana (Fish) expand the chest and improve oxygen intake. Pranayama techniques such as Anulom Vilom and Bhastrika help increase lung capacity and enhance oxygen circulation in the body. 
 

4. Can yoga detox lungs?

Yes, yoga can help detox the lungs by improving airflow, clearing mucus buildup, and enhancing overall lung function. Practices like Kapalbhati and deep breathing techniques remove toxins, cleanse the respiratory tract, and promote better oxygen absorption. 
 

5. Can COPD be cured by pranayama? Which pranayama is best for COPD?

COPD cannot be completely cured, but pranayama can help manage symptoms and improve breathing efficiency. Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Ujjayi pranayama help increase lung capacity, reduce breathlessness, and strengthen respiratory muscles. 
 

6. Does Kapalbhati cleanse the lungs?

Yes, Kapalbhati is a powerful cleansing technique that removes toxins, clears nasal and lung congestion, and improves respiratory function. It strengthens the diaphragm, increases oxygen supply, and enhances lung capacity over time. 
 

7. Can Anulom Vilom increase lung capacity?

Yes, Anulom Vilom helps increase lung capacity by improving oxygen exchange, strengthening respiratory muscles, and enhancing lung efficiency. It balances the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes better airflow through the nostrils. 
 

8. Which pranayama is for lung fibrosis?

Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, and Bhramari pranayama help improve oxygen intake, reduce inflammation, and support lung function in fibrosis. These breathing techniques promote relaxation, enhance lung elasticity, and assist in better oxygenation of the blood. 
 

References 

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/8-yoga-asanas-to-improve-lung-capacity/articleshow/107232687.cms 
• https://breatheclinicguwahati.com/blog-post?title=yoga-and-breathing-exercises-for-better-lung-function 
• https://www.lung.org/blog/yoga-tai-chi-and-your-lungs 
• https://www.actionpf.org/information-support/yoga-and-pulmonary-fibrosis 
   

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