Breathing is a key part of yoga practice. Yoga’s breathing techniques may help to strengthen the respiratory system. Yoga may also improve the well-being of patients with COPD, who may experience higher stress levels and muscular inactivity. Yoga promotes relaxation and exercise, and may help give COPD patients some control over their breathing. Through breathing exercises, more oxygen is available for muscles in the body to do their job. Researchers from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that oxygen saturation (the concentration of oxygen in the blood) was improved in COPD patients after just one yoga practice. Yoga may also alleviate anxiety, depression and stress.
