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
on an empty stomach. It improves blood circulation, calms the mind, and
increases awareness. Additionally, it helps in correcting posture, one's balance by making the spine more agile and increases the flexibility of
the ankles, thighs, and joints.
6. Pawanmuktasana (Wind Pose)
Pawanmuktasana, also known as wind relieving pose, is reclined yoga
pose. It enhances blood circulation in hip joints and eases tension in the
body. Additionally, it strengthens the abdominal muscles, massages the
intestines and other abdominal organs.
To learn these asanas from an expert teacher and practice yoga with the
aim to enhance your immune system, don't forget to take a look at our
schedule for live yoga classes and join in!