The lungs (like the rest of your body) are self-cleaning organs. For example, after the lungs have been infected, your chest may feel full, clogged, or inflamed. Here are some methods that can help you expel mucus from your lungs and relieve other uncomfortable symptoms.
Yoga postures
Any postures where your hips are higher than your lungs can help. Think of all inversions in your yoga practice. If you are ill, postures such as the supported bridge position “Setu Bandha Sarvangasana” or the supine position with your legs resting against the wall “Viparita Karani” are better suited. Here are some milder alternative poses you can try:
To drain the front of your lungs
Lie on your back on a yoga mat or a bed. Place two pillows under your hips so that your chest is lower than your hips. If necessary, place a small pillow under your head. Stay in this position for as long as it is comfortable for you.
To drain the sides of your lungs
Do this step while lying on one side. Then turn around and do it on the other side. Place two or three pillows under your hips to raise them. If necessary, use a small pillow under your head again. Make sure your chest is lower than your hips. Use the belly breathing technique. Switch sides after 5 or 10 minutes.
To drain the back of your lungs
Lie on your stomach. Place two or three pillows under your hips and possibly another small pillow under your head. Place your arms at your head, use the abdominal breathing again.
Belly Breathing. To relax as much as possible and to let your immune system work as well as possible, you can use belly breathing. To do this, place one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest. Inhale and push your belly out as far as possible, you will feel the hand on your stomach move upwards, while the hand on your chest should not move. When you exhale, you feel the hand on your stomach move down, while the hand on your chest again does not move.
Percussion on the chest and back. Cup your hand and gently tap your chest and back. The tapping loosens the mucus in your lungs. Avoid your spine and breastbone. It may be easier to get someone else to tap your back.
You can lie down in the above positions, apply abdominal breathing and tap your fingers at the same time to release the phlegm in your lungs.
Be thankful, trust the moment, and help others.
Reminder: if you are ill, call a doctor. These poses can be helpful when recovering to remove the remaining phlegm.
Marlies Tobias
E-RYT 500 yoga teacher