How yoga can help boost immunity

People By Akancha Tripathi Jun 3, 2020

The immune system of our body can fight viruses, bacteria, and defend us from invaders. Doctors and medical experts often encourage us to take steps to strengthen our immune systems, with emphasis on leading a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity. This includes a nutritious diet and getting ample sleep along with some form of physical activity, such as yoga.

Renowned yoga teachers and practitioners believe the practice helps boost immunity as it strengthens your body and relaxes your mind.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient Indian systematic physical and mental practice that helps your body stay fit and keeps your mind healthy. It is a combination of physical exercise, breathing techniques, diet control, and relaxation through meditation. Yoga teachers believe it promotes holistic well-being with a positive impact on the body and mind of the practitioner. Practicing yoga requires proper knowledge and understanding of the asanas or poses.

Yoga Poses to strengthen your immune system

Yogic experts promote the regular practice of yoga and meditation as a method to improve the defense mechanism of your body. A strong immune system helps you fight against infections. Here are a few poses recommended poses you can try under the guidance of a yoga expert:

Pranayama (Deep Yogic Breath): Controlled inhalation and exhalation to promote movement of the diaphragm. It stimulates the flow of lymph fluid in the body and boost the immune system.

Bhastrika (Bellows Breath): A traditional rapid breathing exercise that energizes your body by improving blood circulation. It also keeps your lungs clear of excess phlegm.

Nadishodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This gentle breathing technique helps relieve physical stress and mental trauma.

Yog Nidra (Relaxation): One of the simplest yoga pose which involves meditation to reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. It helps control stress and anxiety.

Marjari Asana (Cat pose): A stretching exercise involving your spine and back muscles. It improves digestion and relaxes the mind.

Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend): A stretching and bending exercise to increase blood circulation to your head. This asana relaxes the minds and relieves anxiety.

Trikonasana (Triangle pose): Balancing pose that requires you to stretch your body into a triangular shape. Regular practice of this pose helps improve mental and physical stability.

Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend): A simple stretching pose to calm the brain and reduce fatigue. It helps soothe anxiety and stress.

Shishuasana (Child’s pose): An easy to practice sitting posture that helps calm down the nervous system and relax backache.

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose): Stretching of the shoulders, chest, and abdominal muscles to strengthen them and increase flexibility. This pose also helps in stimulating organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys by improving blood circulation.

Precautions to take while practicing Yoga

Practicing yoga regularly can help you boost immunity and bust stress, but you must do it under expert supervision. Yoga is a science that blends the physical and spiritual aspects of life. If practiced incorrectly, it can aggravate the negatives. To avoid any physical problems or mental challenges, you must learn and practice yoga under professional guidance.

Takeaway

Yogic breathing techniques help strengthen your lungs and build immunity of your body. You can practice yoga regularly under expert supervision besides consuming a nutritional diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying stress free.

The times are tough for all of us, let’s support each other with smiles.

 

Western Union guest blogger, Akancha Tripathi, is a qualified HR & marketing professional, working independently, and writing every day.