Shall I use oxygen concentrator to do pranayama?

Question

Hi doctor,

I do not have any existing problem. I live in a very congested neighborhood, and it is very polluted. I would like to do pranayama basically for my well-being and mental peace. Shall I use an oxygen concentrator to do pranayama? What precautions should I take? I am not on any regular medication.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, I congratulate you for considering pranayama yoga for a healthy lifestyle. As you said you do not have any existing problem, I do not recommend oxygen for pranayama regularly. Because oxygen is a medicine. If you do not have any disease, then you should not use it unnecessarily. It should only be reserved for oxygen desaturation because of lung disease.

You can maintain enough oxygen concentration in your body by doing pranayama or any other yoga, regular exercise, and running. Even if the atmosphere surrounding you is polluted, it is not good to use a concentrator for oxygen, as it will harm your body instead of helping you. So, I clearly recommend not using an oxygen concentrator for pranayama. You should do it on room air oxygen.

I hope the concept is clear to you.