Immunity In, Panic Out with Yoga

The outbreak of the global pandemic has led to an increased concern for health and immunity amongst all. We are making dietary changes and maintaining hygiene as precautions against the virus. However, social distancing through the lockdown may lead to uninvited sedentary habits due to reduced physical activity from sitting at home. Just like a healthy diet, exercise contributes to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. Exercise allows the cells and components of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job more efficiently. During the current lockdown where exercising outdoors becomes restricted, we can practise Yoga, which can be conveniently done indoors, to boost our Immunity

Yoga is one of the most trusted, ancient forms of exercise that helps in restoring the balance of the body. Make your home your fitness pad and become a better version of yourself during the lockdown, with the help of yoga.

Here’s your immunity tool kit from the world of Yoga:

Start with the basics

Before we talk about the different poses, practicing proper yogic breathwork (Pranayam) is equally important. Taking daily conscious mindful deep breaths helps to balance the nervous system, reinforce the respiratory system, lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and activate the lymphatic system. This in turn contributes to building a strong immune system and also charges the body to perform further poses.

Salute the Sun

Suryanamaskar is commonly practised worldwide due to its physical and mental benefits. Collectively, performing the pose helps in promoting healthy working of the internal organs, lowers stress, and promotes better excretion of body waste. This ultimately prepares the body to live a disease-free life by enhancing the body's defense to fight against disease-causing germs and infections. 

Involve all the body cells

Sarvangasana is named after a combination of three words, i.e. Sarya Anga Asan, which means involvement of all the parts of the body. Ayurved recognizes the pose to be beneficial for all the dosha types. Performing the pose increases the blood circulation in the lymphatic system and develops the T cells of the Thymus gland. The activation of the T cells defends the body from potential contact of bacteria, viruses and other deadly pathogens.

Downward Dog Pose

Adho Mukha Svanasana effectively helps in fighting infections by increasing blood circulation and allowing the immune cells to flow freely in the body.

Twist it out

 Ardha Matsyendrasana is a twisting pose that helps to stimulate the organs to get rid of the toxins in the body. Practicing the pose daily also helps slow down the release of stress hormones making it an effective means to boost immunity. 

Hiss the virus out

Bhujanga Asana is also known as the Cobra pose as it emphasizes bending the neck in the shape of the cobra’s hood. The pose opens the chest to stimulate the thymus, producing white blood cells that help the body fight infections. These cells are the emergency first responders that protect the body from being infected by disease-causing viruses. 

Yoga is the form of exercise that is waiting for your embrace to become a part of your daily routine. Ayurved and Yoga are two co-related forms of internal healing that focus on taking preventive measures rather than the symptomatic approach. Both believe in building the body’s strength and immunity to keep us fit physically and mentally and protected from viruses. Therefore, following these six yoga poses on a daily basis can help you fight the virus while you stay indoors and also live a healthy life in the long run.