By Vaibhav Somani, Director, Gravolite
WHO over the past couple of days has admitted that the Covid-19 virus could spread via respiratory droplets and it could also hang in the air and be breathed by someone further away. This has been a serious cause of concern because the chances of the disease spreading faster become higher.
One of the solutions definitely is to boost one’s immunity and build a robust respiratory system to improve lung capacity. Exercise helps in boosting metabolism and yoga is a form of exercise, that can strengthen muscles and build internal stamina to ward away diseases.
People have started practicing yoga in their daily life to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. Most people think of yoga as a meditative tool that helps them bring mindfulness and peace to their life. Yoga is a powerful element for enhancing one’s mental and physical health and is an ideal aid for a happy and healthy life and definitely a medium to boost immunity. Yoga is not a cure for Covid-19 but it helps in building the immune system to create the necessary antibodies which will help fight these infections faster.
Here are some ways in which Yoga can build a better immune system;
Yoga poses to reduce stress
Stress is one of the major causes of sickness and reduces our body’s ability to fight diseases and it slows the process of recovery too. Yoga, as mentioned earlier does not only work the body but calms the mind as well. There are two asanas that can help reduce stress.
- Sasakasana: This is known as the rabbit pose and supplies blood to the crown of the head, in turn relieving stress. It also helps in strengthening the backbone, back, shoulders, and the endocrine systems
- Shavasana: This is known as the corpse pose and helps in reducing blood pressure and anxiety as this pose requires the individual to focus on his breathing.
Builds Stronger Respiratory System
Many yoga poses focus on breathing techniques for individuals and controlled breathing can build better efficiencies for our lungs. Some asanas include;
- Nadishodhana Pranayama: This is nostril breathing that helps in strengthening the respiratory system.
- Kapalbhati Pranayama: We have often seen Baba Ramdev practicing this form of yoga, which involves forceful breathing that helps in increasing the lung capacity and removing blockages around vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Improves Blood Circulation
To have a good, functioning system running, the blood flow has to be uninterrupted and optimal, reaching all the vital organs in the body. Some asanas that help improve blood circulation are;
- Trikonasana: This triangle pose helps in stimulating the blood flow and improves blood circulation through the body.
- Ushtrasana: Known as the camel pose, this asana helps in stimulating the thyroid gland and strengthening the nervous system with improved blood flow.
Besides these yoga asanas, there are innumerable other exercises one can do to build immunity. Yoga is not merely an exercise for building physical capacities but it also actively engages one’s mental and spiritual side and expands the limits of consciousness.
As more and more people are getting involved in work-from-home activities, the physical movement that an average body requires is getting reduced. Many individuals are not blessed with open spaces in their homes or home gyms. And yoga is one form of exercise that requires the least amount of space and can be practiced by all ages. Besides getting a good yoga mat one does not require any fancy gear to practice yoga.
Although we have heard the adage, “health is wealth” a billion times, it’s only when one is unwell or hospitalized or a loved one is suffering that we truly understand the meaning of this statement. A healthy immune system equals a healthy body and better chances of fighting dreaded diseases.
