I've been a yoga practitioner for many years. The main problem for me is when I lie on my back it can start me off coughing! It's not too bad most of the time but can spoil relaxation for me sometimes. How does anyone else cope?
Hello 4jean! When I lay flat on my back the cough fest does begin. I do not know of a great relaxation technique so I am interested to see what replies you get. I hold tension in my back and rib area I think. People have suggested yoga but I thought I would be breathless way too easily. Good luck!
Sounds silly, but would it help if you could know in advance and accept that lying on your back may evoke some coughing? I don't do yoga but for 20 years have known that lying down on my back can bring forth a few coughs. It is the change of position. Lying on my stomach does the same thing so I do that one on order of my pulmo.
Yes I'm always prepared for it! I've found having a pillow under my head helps for the relaxation which isn't traditional but needs must. Fortunately I don't have the problem lying on my stomach. Thanks for your reply.
Yoga does have many benefits but be careful about which type of class you go to. There are so many different styles of yoga nowadays. I find a lot of postures beneficial and especially the breathing exercises. Thanks for replying.
Jean,of course I dont know what is causing your coughing, but a few things springs to mind: The exercise of yoga is breaking up sputum that you then have to cough up. But you did not mention "sputum production", so not likely the culprut. The other thing that comes to mind is exercise induced asthma. I get that sometime when Im exercising. You didn't mention asthma so perhaps this is not the case either.
Added to this list might be allerigies to someting where you do your yoga practice or reflux from the stomach through the esophagus. Reflux whould usually I think give you a burning sensation along with a cough so you would have noticed this already.
Hope this helps, Will be interesting to see what others suggest.
Good luck
Russ
Hi Russell. Yes it is sputum, I have to clear my throat repeatedly which isn't ideal in middle of relaxation! Not surprising because lying on my back at home is how I can best clear my lungs of mucus. Was hoping to find others that have this problem to see how they manage the situation. Thanks for your reply.
Does lying on your back at home before you do yoga make any difference? For me, it would depend entirely on the day and how much time elapsed before I was in that position again.
That's a good idea. Will give it a try. Thanks.