Yoga Therapy: Free Downloadable Bronchitis Themed Yoga Lesson Plan
This bronchitis yoga lesson plan was created using the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner. I hope you like it
Free Downloads
Short Version Download
Yoga For Bronchitis Lesson Plan
Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a short version of the lesson plan (that can be viewed online or downloaded as PDFs). The short version is perfect for taking into class with you. It’s short and sweet.
Long Version Download
Yoga For Bronchitis Lesson Plan
Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a long version of the lesson plan (that can be viewed online or downloaded as PDFs). The long version has everything you need to practice the lesson plan before getting to class. You can take it to class with you (but you may prefer to take the short version). The long version is a great handout to give to your students, especially your one-to-one students. It immediately shows your professionalism, and increases your expertise in the eyes of your students.
Free Video Stream
Yoga For Bronchitis Lesson Plan (stream version)
Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a video stream version of the lesson plan. You’ll be able to provide the streams to students as a URL, so they can practice from home.
FAQs
Whenever I give a yoga therapy session (e.g. someone with Bronchitis), I like to imagine the client will ask me a bunch of questions.
Yes. Whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis, you can benefit from a gentle yoga practice.The yoga poses recommended in the downloadable lesson plan (see above) will help ease the symptoms. Like all good Yogis, be aware of your body so that you don’t overdo it.
It wouldn’t, however, be safe to practice yoga (or do any exercise) if you are having repeated bouts of bronchitis. That means you might have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention.
What poses help ease the symptoms of Bronchitis?
Gentle chest openers, inversions, and breathing exercises, help ease the symptoms of bronchitis, such as:
- Abdominal Breathing Exercise
- Camel Pose
- Cobra Pose
- Fish Pose
- Half Shoulderstand Pose
- Locust Pose
- Lotus Pose
- Mountain Pose
- Plough Pose
- Shoulderstand Pose
- Sphinx Pose
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discoloured. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.
What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?
For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Mucus (clear, white, yellowish-gray or green)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight fever and chills
- Chest discomfort
Should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if your cough:
- Lasts more than three weeks
- Prevents you from sleeping
- Is accompanied by fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
- Produces discoloured mucus
- Produces blood
- Is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath
What causes acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu. Antibiotics don’t kill viruses, so this type of medication isn’t useful in most cases of bronchitis.
What causes chronic bronchitis?
The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also contribute to the condition. So, if my client is a cigarette smoker, during part of the session I would bring the subject up, and recommend she swaps cigarettes with a deep breathing practice (get the same deep breath without all the toxins).
What’s the best way to prevent chronic bronchitis?
Stop smoking.
What’s the best way to prevent acute bronchitis?
Get vaccinated. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu.
How long does acute bronchitis last?
Acute bronchitis typically lasts from 3 to 10 days. It usually resolves without the need for antibiotics. However, you may have a lingering dry cough for several weeks due to the inflammation.
Can acute bronchitis be serious?
For most people, acute bronchitis isn’t serious. For people with compromised immune systems, small children, and the elderly, bronchitis can cause complications such as respiratory failure or pneumonia.
Can Yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) help ease the symptoms of bronchitis?
Yes. Practicing deep breathing (pranayama) helps clean out the respiratory track of mucous, and improves lung capacity.
If I am finding it hard to do advanced pranayama due to acute bronchitis, what breathing exercise do you recommend?
Simple breathing exercises such as “Pursed-lip Breathing“, can help you breathe deeply and exercise longer. Pursed-lip Breathing slows down your breathing, allowing you to take in more oxygen. Here are the steps: 1) Breathe in through your nose with a closed mouth. 2) Breathe out through pursed lips.
Are cardiovascular exercises good to help ease the symptoms of bronchitis?
I would say that cardiovascular exercise (e.g. swimming, walking, and running) is more of a preventive measure because it helps your body use oxygen more efficiently and make breathing easier over time. You wouldn’t want to be doing too much cardiovascular exercise during your bout with bronchitis, but definitely worthwhile afterwards. And when you’re at why not do more “walking in nature” (walking is the perfect low-impact cardiovascular exercise).
