Yoga: Your Key to Strong Immunity
Keeping our immune system robust has never been more of a priority than it is today. Our health is priceless; incorporating as many healthy practices into our lifestyle is more imperative now than ever before.
There are many unsurprising ways to strengthen our immune system: eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, minimizing stress, not smoking, and if drinking alcohol, doing so in moderation. As we grow older, our immune response capability diminishes, contributing to increased infections and cancer. Our first line of defense against the threats associated with aging is to prioritize strengthening and supporting our immunity.
Yoga has been shown to be an incredibly effective immunity-supporting practice. It can help lower stress hormones that compromise the immune system, while also conditioning the lungs and respiratory tract, stimulating the lymphatic system to oust toxins from the body, and bringing oxygenated blood to the various organs to ensure their optimal function. Research has shown yoga reduces the harmful effects of chronic inflammation, a major source of detrimental health issues.
The physical postures, or asana, of yoga directly target immunity in various ways. Many inverted postures (Downward Facing Dog) or forward bends (Seated Forward Bend) will focus the immune system on the sinuses, ultimately helping to ease congestion. These specific types of poses may aid in relieving congestion as well as preventing any complications from secondary infections by draining the lungs. If one is grappling with bronchial congestion, or you feel like you’re gasping for air, heart opening poses (Camel Pose, Cobra Pose) may help to open the chest and prevent pneumonia. When you are suffering the flu, asana should be avoided altogether and one’s priority needs to be absolute rest.
The physical practice is not the only way in which yoga aids our immunity. Given the fact that colds and flu attack the bronchial passages, practices to exercise the lungs and maximize breath capacity help bolster one’s immune response. Breathing practices, or pranayama, can provide not only calming effects on our nervous system, but also strengthening effects on our immune system.
Moreover, meditation works to support our body’s health through body and mind stress reduction. Countless research has proven meditation to increase endorphins, decreases cortisol levels, and cultivate positive states of mind, which all work to promote better health.
Your health and immunity are truly priceless. Luckily, the time is always right to begin a yoga practice. Come meet us in class or private instruction and experience the vitality yoga can give you.
Visit LevelYogaStudio.com and follow on Instagram @levelyoga to learn more.
Written by Bridget Maguire // Photography by Kinosi Photography