ADDING YOGA INTO YOUR LIFE IS A GREAT WAY TO BUILD A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS WINTER

DOYLESTOWN LIFE - April,  2014

     It is common knowledge that yoga makes us stronger and more flexible … but did you know it can also help you stay healthy during the cold winter months.

     Winter is upon us & hopefully thus far, you have avoided the flu or succumbed to a cold or bronchitis. And even if you have, there are many yoga practices that can boost and support your immune system through the remainder of the winter. And often it is the changing of seasons when we are most vulnerable. With a bit of luck, spring will be here soon.

     There are specific yoga practices that help cleanse your body and release toxins, germs and infections.

     One of the main ways yoga helps build resistance to germs & viruses is by stimulating the Lymphatic system. This network is auxiliary to the circulatory system. It carries a clear fluid called lymph that moves through the body picking up bacteria and viruses and filtering them out via the lymph nodes. Unlike blood, which is moved by the pumping of the heart, lymph fluid moves only by muscular contractions. Physical movement is essential for keeping lymph flowing. There are specific yoga postures and flowing movements that cleanse the body and help release toxins, germs and infections. Angel Wings Flow, Balasana (Childs pose) & Danurasana (Bow) each target particular lymph nodes, which are packed with immunity cells.

     Lymph circulation is also affected by gravity. Yoga is one of the few practices that systematically take you upside-down into ‘inversions.’ When your head is below your heart—for example, in Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)— lymph moves into the respiratory organs, which are especially vulnerable to germs entering the body. When you return to an upright position, gravity drains the lymph, sending it through your lymph nodes for cleansing.

     There are specific yoga postures that stimulate the organs and glands that protect us from germs.The Thymus is the main gland of the immune system. Located behind the sternum and in front of the heart, it produces ‘T cells’ necessary to fight germs and infection. Ustrasana (Camel) and Matsyandrasana (Fish) are both postures that open the chest and activate the thymus. Additionally Pranayama (yogic breathing) internally massages the thymus while certain Mudras (hand positions & movements) massage externally. Yoga is an accessible and effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.

     When people feel stressed, rundown or fatigued, they are more susceptible to catching colds or getting a sore throat. It is medically proven that Stress compromises the immune system. There is also ample evidence that yogic breathing practices, and restorative poses activate the Vagus Nerve (connecting the stomach to the brain) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System signaling people to calm down, rest & digest. Meditation also activates the pineal gland that help us sleep and parts of the brain that stimulate recovery from illness and trauma.

     When I first moved to Philadelphia from southern California, I got sick for six consecutive winters. My seventh year, I started a regular yoga practice. I was not until years later that I realized it was no coincidence that I stayed healthy all winter long.