Improve oxygenation in body by prone positioning (Sashtanga Asana)

Prone positioning

Not everyone should use words like amid surge , pandemic , epidemic and spread fear and chaos. This article is to inform you precisely about benefits of prone position in enhancing oxygen levels in the body.

T cell ( soldiers of immune system army) exhaustion and impaired early antiviral response is unique in severe COVID-19.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was characterized by areas of relatively normal lung parenchyma ( is that portion of the lungs involved in gas exchange. The most prominent structure in this region is the alveolus). Alveoli are tiny air sacs in your lungs that take up the oxygen you breathe in and keep your body going. Due to regional heterogeneity of lung Consolidation (airways filled with pus, blood or water) and inflammation, ARDS patients are at high risk of developing lung injury.

PRONING is the process of turning a patient with precise, safe motions, from their back onto their abdomen (stomach), so the individual is lying face down. Proning is a medically accepted position to improves breathing comfort and oxygenation. It is extremely beneficial in COVID-19 patients with compromised breathing comfort, especially during home isolation.

This position is much sounds like Sashtanga Asana depicted in Ancient Indian Yog text books. This asana defines that doing this an individual is free from ego. He has got a sense of humility.

Sashtanga Namaskar posture

How prone lying works?

During prone positioning, ventilation is improved due to change in lung pressure consists of PPL( pleural pressure. It improves ventilation, keeps alveolar units open and breathing easy. Proning is required only when the patient feels difficulty in breathing and the SpO2 decreases below 94 (less than 94).

SpO2, also known as oxygen saturation, is a measure of the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood relative to the amount of hemoglobin not carrying oxygen.

For self Proning:–

➡️ You will need 4-5 Pillows.

➡️ Regular alterations in lying position

➡️ Best is to not spend more than 30 minutes in each position

Caution:–

✓ Avoid proning for an hour after meals

✓ Maintain proning for only as much times as easily tolerable

✓ One may prone for up to 16 hours a day, in multiple cycles, as felt comfortable

✓ Pillows may be adjusted slightly to alter pressure areas and for comfort

✓ Keep a track of any pressure sores or injuries, especially , around bony  prominences

Avoid proning in:–

• Pregnancy

• Deep venous thrombosis (A blood    clot in a deep vein) (Treated in less than 48 hours)

• Major cardiac conditions 

• Unstable spine, femur, or pelvic       fractures

Good luck 🙏