For those of us with adventurous spirits, few experiences can match the exhilaration of ascending majestic mountains and basking in awe-inspiring views. But pursuing this breathtaking beauty may come with the hidden peril of altitude sickness, a condition triggered when your body struggles to adapt as oxygen levels diminish the higher you go.
As a dedicated yoga practitioner, I’ve often turned to my physical practice to prepare for and support hiking expeditions and to recover afterward. But when considering effective strategies for acclimatizing to high altitudes, a compelling question arose: Can breathwork aid in preparing for high-altitude challenges?
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude sickness occurs when your body struggles to adapt to the low-oxygen environment you encounter at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in serious cases, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, and confusion.
The condition typically manifests at elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). As you ascend, the air becomes thinner,…
