With rising pollution levels, changing lifestyles, and respiratory illnesses becoming more common, maintaining lung health is important. Yogic breathing techniques or pranayama can play a big role in enhancing lung function. Here we’ll explore three effective techniques that can help improve lung health.1. Yogendra Pranayama-Puraka Puraka involves a long, continuous inhalation that focuses on gradually expanding the lungs.Sit in Sukhasana or on a chair with a firm backrest.Keep your spine erect, body relaxed, and eyes closed to concentrate on your breathing.Exhale gently and begin to inhale slowly and rhythmically in one continuous breath.Focus on your abdomen as you inhale, then allow the breath to expand into your chest and upper lungs.Inhale for as long as comfortably possible, then exhale smoothly without holding the breath.After a complete exhalation, take a few normal breaths before starting the next round.Benefits:Increases lung capacity by stimulating unused air sacs or alveoli and improving the efficiency of oxygen exchange.Builds breathing stamina and makes it easier to breathe deeply.2. Yogendra Pranayama-RechakaRechaka focuses on a long and controlled exhalation.Sit comfortably in Sukhasana or on a chair with a straight backrest.Keep your upper body relaxed, your spine straight, and your eyes closed.Begin with a slow, deep inhalation, focusing on filling your lungs fully.Hold the breath for a duration twice as long as your inhalation.Exhale slowly and gently, ensuring that your exhalation lasts twice the length of your breath retention.As you exhale, guide your focus from the chest area down to the abdomen, gently sinking your stomach inward as the air escapes.Benefits:Promotes better oxygenation by improving the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs.Helps expel a large volume of carbon dioxide, which can lead to better ventilation.Strengthens the diaphragm, which is crucial for breathing efficiency.3. Yogendra Pranayama-Bhastrika The Sanskrit word bhastrika means “bellows,” referring to the way bellows fan a fire.Sit in Sukhasana or any other comfortable meditative posture. Keep the upper body straight with the spine erect, and close your eyes to enhance focus.Take a deep breath in, then breathe out forcefully through your nose without straining.Immediately follow this by a forceful inhalation.Repeat the process of inhaling and exhaling vigorously using your diaphragm. Perform 10 cycles to complete one round.Take a break between rounds and aim to complete 3-5 rounds per session.Benefits:Improves respiratory function by draining excess phlegm from the lungs.Strengthens the respiratory system and energizes the entire body.How to Protect Your Lungs?Good posture allows your lungs to expand fully, improving air intake. Drinking sufficient water helps thin mucus, making it easier for your body to clear the lungs of irritants. Herbal teas, such as tulsi and ginger tea, can soothe your respiratory tract.Use masks to filter out harmful particles.Including antioxidant-rich foods like spinach, ginger, garlic, and turmeric can help reduce inflammation and support lung function.Yoga postures that open up the chest can help improve breathing.The health of your lungs plays a vital role in your general wellness. Practice these pranayamas regularly and breathe easier. Taking small, conscious steps today can lead to healthier lungs tomorrow.