Relief from an Allergy Attack

Having an acute attack right now? Try this gentle practice for immediate allergy relief.

By Gary Kraftsow

6. After your forward fold, you will be ready to practice a breathing exercise. Sit up with a long spine and your hands on your knees. Begin cultivating your inhale retention by taking six deep breaths. Start by holding the breath in for 2 seconds. Repeat this twice, then move on to 3 seconds (repeat twice), and finally to 4 seconds (repeat twice). Next, work on your exhale suspension by taking six deep breaths. Start by pausing with the breath out for 2 seconds. Repeat this twice, then move on to 3 seconds (repeat twice), and finally to 4 seconds (repeat twice). Finally, develop a pause after the inhale and a pause after the exhale, taking six breaths. Start by holding the breath in for 2 seconds on the inhale, and pausing with the breath out for 2 seconds on the exhale. Repeat this twice, then move on to 3 seconds (repeat twice), and finally to 4 seconds (repeat twice).



7. You are now ready for final relaxation. Rest comfortably in your chair with a tall spine and your hands on your knees. Remain here for 3 to 5 minutes.

Gary Kraftsow is founder of the American Viniyoga Institute (AVI) and is America's leading teacher of Viniyoga. He is the author of Yoga for Wellness, which provides further instructions on the asanas in this article, and Yoga for Transformation, which provides further instructions on the breathing exercises.

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