When I got pregnant with my son in 2005, my asthma took back its control over my body.  I hate having to always rely on my prescriptions and fear I'll be on them for the rest of my life.  Do you know of any yoga postures that could help open the airways so I can breathe better naturally? --Karee J

Check with your doctor first, then practice these two yoga techniques every day to improve your lung function.
 
1. Chest opener: Be sure to practice a chest opener pose every day for about 10 minutes. You can do this by lying on your back, supported by a yoga bolster or couch cushion from head to abdomen in such a way that your lower ribs are stretched open and your chest is opened up, especially around the area of the breastbone. Make sure to keep your knees bent and your arms out to the side and comfortably supported on the floor. After you have stayed for 10 minutes, roll carefully to your side and sit up slowly.
 
2. Breath work: Now sit in your dining room chair, cross your arms at the elbow and lean forward so your crossed arms are supported by the dining room table and your forehead is resting on your arms. Next, begin this breathing technique: close your eyes, inhale, and slowly exhale, prolonging the exhalation so it is longer than the inhalation. Take a normal breath in and out, and then another breath in which the exhalation is prolonged. Continue this alternating pattern for 10 breaths. With each exhalation you are helping the bronchioles of the lungs to open; these are the structures which spasm and close during an asthma attack. (You can even try this breathing technique is you feel an attack coming on.) If all goes well, gradually increase the number of breaths to 20.

Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D, and PT, has taught yoga since 1971 and is the author of six books including the latest, “A Year of Living Your Yoga.’’