Yoga for Immunity

         At eighteen years of age I noticed that after practising Yoga for some months my health, as in my immunity, had improved.  I started practising in the heat yet even after switching to a non-heated room my coughs and sniffles seemed to disappear.  This was quite a victory, as I was living in Vermont where temperatures dip to arctic freezes. Here are some facts and  practices that will ease your mind and fight your sniffles. Yoga for Immunity-  Practising inversions like legs-up-the-wall (headstand, shoulder stand  etc.) gets the lymphatic system moving as it circulates the lymphatic fluids.  Why is this important?  Well the lymphatic system rids the body of toxins from our blood and shoots cells for immunity  throughout our system in order to fight infection.  Next, breathe.  Yes, can you believe it?  Breathing is good for our health.  The more oxygen we take into our lungs , the more oxygenated our blood is.  The oxygenated blood travels through the highway of our circulatory system, fighting infection.

Use your Ayurveda!

Here is some Ayurveda 101.  Spices are GREAT for you! Using cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom as tea or flavourings stimulate your Blood Flow, therefore in conjunction with breathing your oxygenated blood will be carried through your circulatory system when prompted by the spices! I love sprinkling cayenne on my popcorn, curled up with a good book or documentary.  A major impact of stress is psychological health which can really impact the way in which our bodies fight germs.  Stress weakens our immune system and cause inflammation (don’t forget your Ayurveda and drink that turmeric tea). Use your yogāsana or dhyāna to distress.  Yoga for Immunity- 

Here are a few postures  and their benefits:

• Garuḍāsana (Eagle Pose)> promotes circulation; aids in clearing chest congestion
• Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (Downward Facing Dog)> promotes blood flow to our sinuses
• Vīrabhadrāsana II (Warrior II) > stimulates digestion and blood flow, as well as builds stamina
• Kūrmāsana (Tortoise Pose)> stimulates the thymus which is responsible for producing T-cells to fight immunity.

Honestly all asanas will help relieve stress, even our favourite śhavāsana. Unless you are down and out with the flu, encourage yourself to move and take a gentle practice, even with a cough or sniffles.  You might be able to ward off inflammation and feel better sooner with some gentle asanas.  My advice for all issues emotional, mental and physical is to implement and simple yoga practices.

Learn to lead a healthy life under stressful situations at our 1-day Stress Management camp. The camp  includes Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas, interactive sessions with Dr. Hansaji, talks by medical specialists, health counselling and conceptual knowledge about ‘Pillars of Yoga’. Click here for details

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