20/06/2021
“YOGA POSES FOR BETTER IMMUNITY”
Before starting our topic – “YOGA POSES FOR BETTER IMMUNITY” let’s see how COVID – 19 has changed our lives.
The COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Trade Organization on 11th March 2020. The virus outbroke in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where cases started emerging since November 2019. The virus is known to pe*****te the human body in various ways, and cause the severe respiratory syndrome, cough, fever and nausea.
Human existence is at the verge of a downfall and people are feeling helpless and scared. However, global health experts and researchers have suggested a few measures which can be adopted to abstain from catching the virus.
Apart from maintaining hygiene standards, boosting immunity is considered a precondition for fighting the coronavirus. It has been observed that people with the lower immune system are more susceptible to catching this virus. In this regard, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really essential. A good diet and sleep schedule, punctuated with a healthy dose of exercise, can help in improving the metabolism, which is directly correlated to the immunity of the body.
YOGA POSES FOR BETTER IMMUNITY
The stress surrounding the current scenario has taken a severe toll on our mental and physical well-being; let alone the corona crisis. But our ancestors have left us such a tradition that can help combat most modern-day ailments by increasing immunity and metabolism. Yoga is one such treasure. Yoga helps in enhancing the circulation process of the body, like blood circulation, breath etc. This helps in building a more muscular immunity system for the body and also enhances the body’s ability to combat ailments.
Here is a list of Yoga asanas and pranayama to strengthen immunity.
POINTS TO BE NOTED
If you have a history of a chronic disease or are recovering from an injury, consult your physician before commencing. Let your yoga teacher know of any injuries or pains.
Do what you easily can. There is no competition. You are expected to move at your own pace. Listen to your body and do not push yourself.
Many benefits of the yoga practice will unfold progressively. Be regular in your practice and don't give up because you can't touch your toes in the first go.
Don't get discouraged by the initial lack of flexibility or strength, it improves over time. Be patient and give your body the time to respond.
Focus on the breath, right from the beginning.
Understand that everybody is unique. Everyone has different levels of strength, stamina, and flexibility. Your lifestyle and goals may also vary. Find a style of yoga that suits your needs.
BHUJANGASANA OR COBRA POSE
Bhujangasana has been a famous yoga pose in recent times. The name has been derived from the Sanskrit words Bhujanga, which means ‘snake’ and Asana means ‘posture or seat'. This is because it resembles a cobra with its hood raised. Bhujangasana is said to be part of the sequence of yoga postures in Padma Sadhana and one of the 12 poses of Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation. This asana is incredibly helpful in increasing the blood circulation in the body, which makes the body cells more oxygenated and alive. Improved blood circulation also leads to the maintenance of hormonal balance and ultimately building a better immune system.
BALASANA
The word ‘Balasana’ has been derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Bala’ and ‘asana’, which translates to ‘child’s pose’. It is named so as it refers to the essential fetal position and the consequent child-like vulnerabilities that may be experienced as a result of the pose. It is also believed that this pose lets a person connect to the early memories of being in the womb. This is a great relaxation exercise, which gets rids of stress and anxiety, which are more in people in the current pandemic situation.
ANULOM VILOM
Anulom Vilom is a yogic breathing exercise that is a form of alternate nostril breathing designed to calm the body and mind. This simple exercise, when performed regularly, is known to balance the Tridoshas (three doshas) in the body, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Most ailments are a result of imbalances in these doshas in the body. Anulom Vilom practices are known to improve lung function and endurance of pain. This exercise promotes higher levels of oxygen in the body, which helps in better blood circulation and thereby maintaining blood pressure. It is highly advisable to practice Anulom Vilom every morning, to keep the body healthy and fit.
KAPALABHATI PRANAYAMA
Otherwise known as Skull Cleanser, Kapalabhati Pranayama actually means skull shining breath. The main aim of this asana is to clear the mucus in the air passages, relieve congestion, reduce bloating and improve lung capacity. However, it also facilitates inducing a refreshing breath that can build body heat, that enables a good bowel movement, aiding to fight a stressful mind. COVID-19 disease tends to drain the oxygen level from the body. So Kapalbhati can be a helpful exercise to restore the same
SUKHASANA
The best benefits of Sukhasana pose are that it helps to regulate the breathing cycle of the body. It aids in having a clean breath, which brings in the sense of tranquility in the body. It helps to stretch the hips wide open, which makes you feel lighter. It also facilitates to straighten the alignment of the back and help in maintaining a good body posture. The asana is very easy to do, as the name suggests and also helps in building immunity.
TRIKONASANA (TRIANGLE POSE)
Trikonasana is a popular yoga posture to boost immunity. While doing this pose, you need to alternate on both of your left and right side, whilst forming a triangle. This pose helps your spine generate flexibility when you lean sideways, and it helps in reducing spondylitis. Also, it is essential to ensure that your shoulders align with one another when leaning.
NATARAJASANA
The King Dancer yoga pose is beneficial for ailments such as shoulder pain, spondylitis etc. It stretches your shoulders out, relieving you of pain while also improving the overall balance of the body. It also focuses on the muscles in the legs and core, improving their strength at the same time, which in turn enhances immunity. Natarajasana has proven to be one of the most pivotal yoga for daily life, to ensure the maintenance of a healthy and disease-free lifestyle.
UTTANASANA (FORWARD BEND)
This exercise is especially useful to relieve congestion and protect the sinuses and mucus membranes. Uttanasana requires you to bend forward, in the form of an inversion exercise and thus helps in rejuvenating the overall immune system of the body. It is an act of submission to the ground, which in turn helps in improving the immunity of the body.
CONCLUSION
As they say, yoga is the answer to all ailments. Times are tough, and yoga is a fantastic practice to resort to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improve the overall immunity of the body.
