Fighting COVID-19 with Yoga

A second surge of the covid-19 pandemic is hitting countries like India

which has been more devastating than the first. It does not help to panic

in this kind of situation but there are things we can all do to keep

ourselves healthy especially if we are stuck in our homes during a

lockdown. One thing we can specifically do as part of our yoga practice is

to strengthen our immune system by practicing asanas like Tadasana,

Bhujangasana, and Pawanmuktasana.

A lot of people after recovering from covid-19 infection have found

doing simple yoga asanas helpful to get their immune system and

nutrition levels back on track. So yoga is a great boon for both people

who want to improve their immune system to fight off illnesses and

people who are recovering from covid-19.

When should you start practicing yoga if you're sick?

Practicing pranayama regularly increases our capacity to consume

oxygen and high oxygen intake speeds up healing. But exercises can be

counterproductive in the worst stages of sickness as the energy needed

to fuel the immune system is used up by muscles for movement. The

important thing to remember when one is practicing yoga or any kind of

exercise while one is sick is to wait till the worst stages have passed and

some energy is regained.

Yoga during the Pandemic

Practicing yoga is best suited during the pandemic because it manages

physical as well as mental issues. Yoga lowers our stress hormones that

compromise the immune system. It stimulates the lymphatic system that

removes toxins from the body.

One of the most common causes of a weakened immune system is a

high level of stress, anxiety, depression. Being confined to our homes

during isolation can be mentally challenging and create depression and

anxiety. Staying connected with friends and family is a great way for one

to maintain their mental health, yoga can help with anxiety and mental

health as well. Performing asanas and pranayama triggers our

parasympathetic nervous system which calms our mind. Yoga also helps

by reducing tension in muscles and joints.

Best Asanas and Pranayama For Better Immunity

1. Bhramri Pranyama

Bhramri Pranayama or Bumblebee Breath is calming breath practice. The

sound of exhalation produced during Brahmi is like the buzzing of a bee,

hence the name of the pranayama. Practicing Brahmi reduces stress,

anxiety, anger, and frustration.

2. Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati or Breath of Fire is one of the most important pranayamas in

hatha yoga. It helps us exhales the toxins in our body thus enhancing our

health. It strengthens our cells, tissues, glands, and organs. Additionally,

it improves blood circulation and digestion.

3. Surya Bhedi & Chandra Bhedi

Suryabhedi pranayama and Chandrabhedi pranayama are right nostril

breathing and left nostril breathing respectively. They are very effective

for stress management.

4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose is a reclining back-bending pose in hatha

yoga. This asana is also practiced as a part of Surya Namaskar which a

set of 12 asanas. It helps release white blood cells. White Blood Cells are

specially equipped to fight off germs and viruses while strengthening the

immune system. Bhujangasana is very useful to keep the back healthy

and make the spinal region strong and agile. Additionally, it improves

digestion, liver and kidney functions as well.

5. Tadasana (Tree Pose)

Tadasana or Mountain pose is a standing asana in yoga. It is performed