Our lungs are important since they go through a lot every day to help us live comfortably. They provide oxygen to the bloodstream while removing carbon dioxide from the body. That’s why people with lung problems consistently encounter a hard time, even for doing daily activities. Good thing that they can do something about that, and one of the solutions to achieve healthy and whole lungs is learning and practicing Pranayama. The term also means breathing but is known as a yoga term. Yoga, as a beneficial exercise, greatly involves breathing. 

Even though breathing is an activity we do on a daily basis, there is so much power with it. In fact, breathing is a means of living. It is a vital function of life. That’s why we can do more if we don’t have any issues with our breathing. We can do things more comfortably. Hence, it is beneficial to take time and learn about some of the best Pranayama for lungs. If you are among the people who have issues with their lungs, this is the right guide to help yourself improve the conditions of your lungs. 

But before we discover the best Pranayama for lungs, let’s first dig deeper into knowing about Pranayama. Continue reading to know more. 

What is Pranayama?

The term Pranayama is mostly used for yoga. It comes from the combined Sanskrit words Prana and ayama. Prana means life force, while ayama translates to extending or stretching. Therefore, Pranayama basically means the control of the life force. That explains why the yoga term is also known as the extension of breath. Every cell in the body demands oxygen to function properly and correctly. With that said, you can’t go wrong with learning Pranayama. 

Now, let’s go to the primary highlight of this guide and check out some of the best Pranayama for lungs. Keep in mind that the Pranayama below serves as an ideal asthma treatment. So, don’t miss out on the chance to know about them. 

6 Best Pranayama for Lungs 

Pranayama or breathing exercises, when done right, can surely help your mind and body in many ways. There are different types of Pranayama, but not all of them are created to help improve the lungs. Some Pranayama are made to help relieve stress and other benefits. But the breathing exercises below are the top Pranayama methods that are incorporated into yoga for strong lungs. See them below.  

1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama 

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, also known as the alternate nostril breathing method, is a very relaxing and balancing breath technique that helps promote healthier lungs. As the name implies, it is a technique where you inhale air through one nostril at a time and simultaneously do that while closing the other nostril with your one hand. It is an ancient yoga breathing technique that is used to help with calming your nervous system and aid in a restful night’s sleep. Also, it is believed to promote concentration, purify the blood, reduce stress, and calm the mind. 

Moreover, this Pranayama is safe to perform at any time of the day since it helps to even out the breathing process. 

How to do the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama:

• Choose a comfortable position on a chair or the floor to practice. 
• Start by emptying all the air from your lungs. 
• Use the thumb of your dominant hand to block your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril only.
• Make sure to inhale into your belly. Don’t inhale into your chest. 
• Once you are already full of breath, seal your other nostril and hold your breath for a moment.
• Release your right nostril only and exhale only through it. 
• Make sure to exhale all the breath out before inhaling on your right nostril again. 
• Seal both of your nostrils once you’ve inhaled on the right side, and then exhale your breath through your left nostril. A complete cycle of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama includes an inhalation and exhalation through both nostrils.
• Repeat the cycle for up to ten cycles to notice how your body responds. If you experienced the positive effects of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, you could continue practicing it. 

2. Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi Pranayama, also popularly known as the “ocean breath,” is a type of yoga breathing technique that is characterized by its victorious and soothing sound. It is widely utilized in yoga postures, especially in Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes, as it promotes full lung expansion and helps to calm the mind by redirecting focus to the breath. At the same time, practicing this breath-control yoga Pranayama will help with overriding distracting thoughts.

Ultimately, the Ujjayi Pranayama is among the best Pranayama methods to learn if you want to improve your lung capacity. 

How to do the Ujjayi Pranayama:

• Search for a comfortable seated position where you can assume an upright posture.
• Take a deep, steady inhale through both of your nostrils, filling your lungs to capacity while maintaining a tall spine.
• Hold your breath briefly. Then, constrict the air in your throat as if you were about to whisper and exhale slowly through both nostrils, creating a soft ocean-like sound or a gentle flow of air. The exhalation should be felt on the roof of your mouth.
• Repeat the process above up to 20 times. This Pranayama method can be practiced for up to 10 minutes at any time of the day. 

3. Anulom Vilom Breathing Exercise 

Anulom Vilom is a well-known yogic breathing technique that involves alternately closing one nostril while breathing in and the other while breathing out. That’s the start before moving on to reversing the process and repeating. This exercise offers a multitude of physical and mental benefits, such as increased lung capacity, improved blood circulation, and reduced stress. 

Certainly, the Anulom Vilom is a great Pranayama to try because it can bring many physical and mental benefits. More than that, its process is not too complicated, so anyone can learn it without problems. 

How to do the Anulom Vilom Breathing Exercise:

• Find a comfortable seated position with your neck and spine aligned.
• Close your eyes and relax your body. 
• Place your hands on your knees, using your right thumb to cover your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril.
• Close your right nostril and inhale deeply and slowly through your left nostril.
• Once finished, release and switch the position of your hands, then repeat the process on the other side.
• Remember to keep your eyes closed and relax throughout the exercise. The most important aspect of the breathing process is ensuring that your breaths are consistently slow and deep. Don’t rush. Always start slow with the intention to gradually increase your timing.   

4. Bhastrika Breathing Exercise

Bhastrika is a type of yogic breathing exercise that involves rapid and forceful inhales and exhales, utilizing the movement of the diaphragm to increase the capacity of the lungs. This breathing technique is also well-known for its energizing and invigorating effects, as well as its ability to improve the overall health of the respiratory system.

How to do the Bhastrika Breathing Exercise:

• Sit in a cross-legged position, such as vajrasana, and ensure you are comfortable.
• Take a deep breath and lift your arms upwards.
• Open your hands into fists.
• Exhale forcefully, lowering your arms back down to your shoulders, and then close your fists.
• Repeat this process 20 times to complete one round.
• Once finished, place your palms on your thighs and take a moment to relax, and start breathing normally again.

5. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing commonly referred to as “belly breathing,” is a technique that emphasizes the use of the diaphragm for breathing. This method is particularly beneficial for individuals with COPD, as it helps to improve and strengthen the diaphragm, which is essential for good lung function. By practicing diaphragmatic breathing, individuals with lung conditions can improve their overall respiratory health and increase the efficiency of their breathing.

How to do Diaphragmatic Breathing:

• To begin, find a comfortable position on the floor and release any tension in your shoulders.
• Place one hand on your belly and the other hand on your chest.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, take a long breath, and focus for two seconds on the sensation of the air as it fills your abdomen. Your stomach should expand as you inhale while your chest remains still.
• Exhale slowly through pursed lips, gently pressing down on your belly. As you exhale, your stomach should deflate.

6. Pursed Lip Breathing 

The pursed-lip breathing technique is an important aspect of managing lung conditions. What’s more amazing about it is that it is often included as a part of a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program designed to help individuals with lung problems improve their breathing and overall respiratory health. This breathing technique is considered essential for individuals with lung conditions, as it can help to alleviate symptoms, improve breathing efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of life.

The bottom line about this breathing method is the intention to slow down the breathing speed by applying deliberate effort each time with breathing. That’s why it is ideal practicing pursed-lip breathing at any time of the day about four to five times. 

How to do Pursed Lip Breathing:

• Begin by relaxing your neck and shoulders.
• Close your mouth and inhale slowly through your nose for a count of two.
• Pucker your lips, then exhale the air through your pursed lips for a count of four.
• This technique helps to slow down breathing and improve breathing efficiency, making it especially beneficial for individuals with lung conditions.

Helpful Tips for Getting Started 

Here are some of the helpful tips that are actually important to keep in mind when getting started in learning the best Pranayama for lungs. 

You are the judge.

Some Pranayama have risk factors, so it is important to observe the effect on your body when learning one. So, if you feel lightheadedness or any discomfort, you should stop immediately and go back to your normal breathing. 

Patience and practice are the keys. 

Any Pranayama method should be done with incredible care and awareness. Try to stay focused on the actual process, not on the expected benefits. Don’t rush because you will certainly notice the positive effects of practicing a Pranayama technique over time. 

Never force or restrict your breath. 

One thing you should keep in mind is that you should never compromise the quality of your breath when learning Pranayama. Still, do the best that you can. Take time to practice, and you will soon notice you’ll be able to use more of your lung capacity.

Final Thoughts 

Typically, people only give importance to their lung health once they encounter problems regarding the lungs and their breathing. Since the lungs provide oxygen and keep every other organ functioning, there is no reason to neglect them. Our lungs give us the oxygen needed to stay alive and enjoy life. That’s why there is no wonder that people with lung problems are committed to finding the best solution to improving their lungs. 

Quite interesting, the solution for the problem with lungs and breathing is also breathing itself with a little control and manipulation. While there are different types of Pranayama, some are meant to be the best Pranayama for lungs. The right Pranayama can help you solve your issues regarding your lung condition, and the list above is some breathing exercises to try. Hopefully, this guide has worked on its purpose to help you discover and realize the power of Pranayama. 

Interested in experiencing breathwork with Regina? Regina offers two virtual breathwork sessions per month, which are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Check out and join us for a session!