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Breathe Better: Yoga Asanas That Strengthen Your Lungs and Open Your Heart

Boost your lung capacity, improve oxygen flow, and breathe with more ease through these yoga asanas and pranayama techniques that support respiratory health.

By URLife Team
13 Nov 2025

Breathe Better: Yoga Asanas That Strengthen Your Lungs and Open Your Heart

Boost your lung capacity, improve oxygen flow, and breathe with more ease through these yoga asanas and pranayama techniques that support respiratory health.

To gain expert insights, we reached out to Sindhuja Mupalla, a certified yoga instructor at UR.Life Studios, trained in Hatha, Yin, Aerial, and Advanced Yoga (RYT 300). She stressed that the key to better respiratory health lies in heart-opening postures and deep breathing practices. The following asanas expand the chest, strengthen the diaphragm, and activate the Anahata (heart) chakra — the energy centre linked to the element of air and emotional balance.

1. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)


Cat-Cow Pose

This works on spinal flow, improves flexibility, and opens the chest — making it easier for your lungs to expand. The alternating arching and rounding movement enhances oxygen flow and synchronises breath with movement, encouraging deeper, smoother breathing.

2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Cobra Pose

A heart-opener that strengthens the lungs and releases chest tension. Lifting your chest expands the rib cage and counteracts slouching, improving posture and respiratory efficiency — especially helpful for desk-bound jobs.

3. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose

This pose gently stretches the chest and lungs, promoting better airflow. It activates the diaphragm, stimulates the thyroid, and encourages slow, rhythmic breathing — all of which support stronger respiratory function.

4. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Fish Pose

Known for expanding the lungs and increasing oxygen intake, this pose also opens the heart chakra. It relieves tightness in the chest and throat, improves circulation, and promotes calm, balanced breathing.

5. Wheel Pose (Chakrasana)

Fish Pose

A powerful backbend that fully opens the chest, stretches the intercostal muscles, and boosts lung capacity. It’s ideal for improving oxygen exchange and energising the entire body.

6. Open Chest Breathing

Open Chest Breathing

Inhale as you extend your arms wide and lift your chest; exhale as you bring your arms closer and round your back. This movement strengthens respiratory muscles and increases awareness of chest expansion.

7. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing

A deep breathing technique that engages the diaphragm to improve oxygen exchange and calm the nervous system. It helps regulate breathing during stress and supports overall lung efficiency.

8. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Anulom Vilom

Balances both hemispheres of the brain and promotes calm, even breathing. Regular practice improves lung function, oxygen saturation, and emotional balance.

9. Activate Your Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Heart Chakra

Heart-opening poses and breathwork stimulate the Anahata chakra. A balanced heart chakra enhances emotional harmony and supports steady, deep breathing. Step into an immersive world of mastering the art of inner-world management amidst all the outside noise. Join our 2-week Heartfulness Meditation Program today!

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