Anxiety and Panic Attacks In Emphysema ... - Mind Publications

Yoga is not just positive thinking and visualization. That is one part of it. Yoga
includes 8 different parts, let me mention three parts out of the eight which are most
relevant for most people with COPD:
1. Psycho-emotional and behavioral guidelines (Yama and Niyama) for positive
mental attitude, lifestyle and relationships
2. Muskelo-skeletal exercises (Asanas) some of which can be very beneficial for
general flexibility and endurance and spinal flexibility and strength (good for muscles
of respiration) without raising the heart rate and can create mental effect of
calmness and relaxation and sense of well-being. The ability to stretch, exercise and
relax the upper body is very important for people with COPD. People with COPD
carry a lot of tension in the shoulders and chest. Likewise, it is crucial to stretch,
relax, bend, twist and elongate the spine for increasing the efficiency of breathing.
3. Breathing technique (Pranayama) which has hundreds of techniques and some of
them can be very beneficial for slowing the breathing and lengthening the exhalation
and thus for more efficient emptying of the lungs. We practice coordinating the
breathing with spinal movements which is particularly good for the breathing and
spine
4. Concentration and mind-training techniques (Dharna and Dhyana) which too can
be highly beneficial for relaxation and mental and emotional control which can have
effect on your own healing powers.
What is unique about yoga is that you may just do the muskelo-skeletal exercises
alone and not bother with any other parts of yoga and you will still derive physical
and mental benefits, increased breathing efficiency, sense of well being and
improved outlook and mood.
However, you have to know which exercises are particularly good and how to
coordinate it with your breathing. Some of the exercises specifically adapted for
people with COPD are provided in my DVDs “Stretching and Breathing Adapted for
People with COPD” This is not a sales pitch but that is the only yoga based stretching
and breathing DVD for COPD that I know of.
Question 10
I am interested in taking a yoga class. How do I know that the yoga teacher is welltrained
and reputable and not just somebody who has no idea what they're doing
and just wants my money? Moreover, I have COPD. I am limited in my exercise
ability and I might need special instruction. How should I go about finding a good
yoga teacher?
Answer
Your concern is very valid. There are a lot of untrained as well as highly
trained yoga teachers in U.S.
Here are a few guidelines: